With the Nets’ second star, Kyrie Irving, seated within the entrance row however nonetheless unable to play because of his unvaccinated standing, Kevin Durant nonetheless proved to be manner an excessive amount of for the Knicks to deal with on Sunday in Brooklyn.
Durant erupted for 53 factors, essentially the most ever by a Nets participant in opposition to the Knicks, in a 110-107 Nets victory at Barclays Heart. Tom Thibodeau’s staff had no solutions for the 12-time All-Star no matter who or what number of gamers it tried to make use of to protect him.
“Kevin, what are you able to say? His profession speaks for itself,” Thibodeau mentioned. “He will get rolling like that, you mainly attempt to play him together with your entire staff and also you gotta attempt to make him work for his factors.”
The Knicks opened the sport with Julius Randle defending Durant, however they primarily switched to RJ Barrett within the second half after Randle wound up in foul bother. Double-teaming KD didn’t work both, as he additionally completed with 9 assists.
“The factor is, you’ll be able to throw numerous our bodies at him, you will be bodily, however as soon as he elevates, he’s launch is so excessive and he’s so tall. It’s simply him and the rim. It’s clearly powerful protection,” Evan Fournier mentioned. “He’s quick, he’s athletic, he’s seen each protection that’s potential. In order that’s why he’s an amazing participant.”
Obi Toppin returned to the lineup after lacking 5 video games with a strained hamstring and scored eight factors — together with two 3-pointers — in eight minutes.
Rookie middle Jericho Sims additionally had an lively recreation off the bench, with six factors, a team-high 10 rebounds and one blocked shot in 23 minutes.
Quentin Grimes (dislocated kneecap) missed his ninth straight recreation, however Thibodeau mentioned he’s “just about going full pace” and “the following step could be contact” in apply.
