NBA 2021-2022: Kevin Durant lead the Nets to the win against Trae Young and the Hawks (108-117)
Embed from Getty ImagesLast night, the Brooklyn Nets were facing the Atlanta Hawks at home. This game was also the first time that the Nets will play with their new City Edition Jersey.
To help his team to get their 3rd consecutive win, Kevin Durant put out another great performance as he recorded 32 points, 7 rebounds and 13/20 FG. Durant led perfectly his teammate, mostly in the third quarter as he scored 13 points in a 20-4 run to turn a tie game into a 16 points lead. Joe Harris also had a great night as he made six 3-pointers (6/8 3 PM) and scored 18 points. Harris had a rough start this season but it seems that he is finding back his efficiency behind the line for a couple of games. James Harden had 16 points and 11 assists. The Nets conclude 4-2 on their homestand.
After the last few games, we can see that the Brooklyn Nets are starting to look more in sync, the role players are finding their rhythm and it is easier for the players to find each other on the court as well. Obviously, with the numerous additions in the roster and Kyrie’s absence, it will take some time for the Nets to be really ready, additionally, we can see that a lot of the contenders in the Eastern Conference are struggling to start this season, so the Nets still have time to make this group of players work together.
”We knew it was going to be a process for us. I’m glad we were able to figure some stuff out the last few games and get back on the right page. We know it’s going to be tougher on the road but we’ve just got to keep grinding.”
Kevin Durant
The Nets won their first game this season when being outrebounded by their opponents. Atlanta finished with a 52-42 advantage. The Brooklyn Nets had been 0-3 when losing the battle on the board. Because of the lack of big men in their roster, being outrebounded will probably happen often for the Nets this season.
After the game last night, Steve Nash was asked about Kyrie’s availability as New York mayor-elect Eric Addams might change the local vaccine mandate. As Kyrie Irving could be authorized to play even if he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.
”I might be speaking out of turn, but I think if the mandate changes he’d be welcomed back for sure.”
Steve Nash
De’Andre Hunter made all six 3-pointers and scored 26 points and made 10/11 FG for the Hawks. Clint Capela and John Collins both scored 13 points and Kevin Huerter scored 16 points in 23 minutes from the bench. Trae Young had 21 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists but the point guard shot 6 for 22. Despite being the leader in terms of assists in the league (9.5 assists per game), Trae Young is having some issues with his scoring as he is certainly impacted by the new guidelines about the fouls.
Trae Young is averaging 22.6 points this season so far and he is shooting for 27.9% from behind the line which is his worse percentage since he is in the league. Trae Young thinks that his team is playing good defense this season besides the 3rd quarter of the last game.
”I mean, besides that third quarter. They really took off in that third.”
Trae Young
Lou Williams appeared in his 1,072nd game against the Nets, tying Michael Jordan and Marvin Williams for the 92nd place on the NBA’s career list.
We look at the previous Brooklyn games here.
Next game: Brooklyn Nets: Visit Detroit on Friday. Atlanta Hawks: Host Utah on Thursday.
