Kevin Durant was his typical offensively dominant self in Atlanta, posting 26 points and eight assists. However, it was his defense that had him pumpeding his fist and yelling.
The four-time scoring champion pulled down a career-high 16 boards and added two blocks. On one occasion, he blocked Dejounte Murray’s shot, pursued the lost ball into the stands, and deflected it off a Hawk to force a turnover.
When questioned about it, he flashed a Cheshire cat grin.
Durant stated after the Nets’ 108-107 victory over the Hawks, “I was more ecstatic that I was able to save it.” “Yeah, the block was impressive, but being able to recover the ball and regain possession was much better. I believe that was the most enjoyable portion. I rarely get the opportunity to make a nasty play like that.
“It feels good to get my hands a little dirty, get on the floor, and get a few floor burns. Thus, it invigorates our squad while deflating theirs slightly; it accomplishes a great deal. Consequently, I will attempt to make only defensive plays. I attempt to execute it and slightly alter the momentum.”
Jacque Vaughn reorganized his rotations in light of Seth Curry’s return from injury on Wednesday night and Joe Harris’s possible return soon thereafter.
Curry returned after missing Cleveland’s victory due to a non-COVID sickness. Harris remained at home with a painful left knee. He has missed three consecutive games, and his status for Saturday’s New Year’s Eve game in Charlotte remains uncertain.
“No, no more precision. In the intervening two days, he remains in Brooklyn. We will contact him on Thursday while he continues to receive therapy. However, no other information is available at this time,” said Vaughn, who would not confirm if Harris could join the team for practice on Friday before their game in Charlotte.
“Yes, well, we have some additional information as of Thursday. [Thursday] will be a day of rest, so it will not affect the entire group. The following day, we could practice a bit before traveling to Charlotte. So, perhaps we’ll have more on Thursday.”
Nic Claxton matched his career high in blocks with six.
David Duke Jr., Kessler Edwards, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Alondes Williams were all on assignment with the G-League. Donovan Williams, who was undrafted, has performed well for Long Island.
Trae Young, Clint Capela, and De’Andre Hunter were not available for Atlanta. Young missed Tuesday’s loss against Indiana due to a left calf contusion sustained in the fourth quarter. Center Hunter has a left ankle sprain, while Capela has a right calf strain.
Under Vaughn, the Nets have gone 21-7, vaulting them into second place in the Eastern Conference, half a game ahead of the Bucks.
In their last 20 games, Brooklyn is 17-3, tying the best 20-game streak in franchise history. Six consecutive victories on the road is tied for the longest road winning streak in the league this season. The Nets have a league-best 11-1 record this month.
»Kevin Durant of the Nets displays outstanding defensive prowess«