NETS 125 - WARRIORS 99
It took a year and a half, and a global pandemic, but future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant finally made his debut as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, against his former team the Golden State Warriors of all teams, and didn't disappoint. STORY.
Durant racked up 10 early first quarter points en route to a 22-point effort on 7-of-16 shooting from the floor. He was also 7-of-7 from the free throw line and collected five boards. It was like the old Durant was back in many ways.
And he certainly had help in Kyrie Irving, the former Cleveland Cavalier and Boston Celtic, who signed with Durant in the summer of 2019. Unlike Durant, Irving had a mixed bag with the Nets last season. He was spectacular sometimes, injured other times, and there was even questions about his commitment.
This is also the same guy who early in camp this month said he would not talk to the media. Great guy (sarcasm).
Still Irving dropped 26 points to lead both squads, including shooting 10-of-16 from the floor, and 4-of-7 from long distance. Even Caris LeVert got into the act, contributing 20 points off the bench.
It's been a long time coming for Durant, who tore his Achillies tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals, and would sign with the Nets with full knowledge he would miss the entire 2019-20 season. Then the pandemic hit in March and changed the NBA and the entire planet for that matter.
The Nets have high expectations this year. With a healthy Durant and a healthy Irving, including a new coach in first time HC, and former NBA All Star, Steve Nash -- many expect Brooklyn to challenge for the Eastern Conference crown, and maybe a date with the Lakers next summer.
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