The Nets used a brand new starting lineup in Saturday’s playoff opener, and although they started slowly, they eventually showed why they’re among the favorites to win this year’s title, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. The Big Three of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving played together for only the ninth time, and they were joined by Joe Harris and Blake Griffin as starters. Brooklyn trailed by 12 points early in the game, but rallied for an 11-point victory.
“There was a little bit of newness in many ways,” coach Steve Nash said. “We weren’t sharp offensively, but we found a way.”
Harden suggested another factor may have contributed to Brooklyn’s rough start. After playing in empty or near-empty arenas for most of the season, the Nets welcomed a sellout crowd of 14,391 fans Saturday night.
“Maybe I’m speaking for myself, but the crowd kind of just threw me off a little bit,” Harden said. “It was pretty loud in there. The vibe was what we’ve been missing, and it just threw me off a little bit. That second half, we got more comfortable, and shots started to fall when we needed it to.”
There’s more from Brooklyn:
- Playing his first postseason game since suffering an Achilles injury in the 2019 Finals, Durant reminded fans that he’s still an elite player, states Ian O’Connor of The New York Post. Durant had 32 points and 12 rebounds and led the second-half rally that gave the Nets the lead. “It’s always great playing in this time of year,” he said. “That intensity is the next level. … It felt great to be out there among the best teams and the best players in the league. Look forward to Game 2.”
- Griffin wasn’t with the Nets when the Big Three was formed, but he could tell they were going to be something special. He discusses that and other topics in a wide-ranging interview with Steve Serby of The New York Post. “If there’s three guys you’d want to have the ball in their hands at the end of games, or four guys — I think Dame (Damian Lillard) and KD and Kyrie are three of ’em,” Griffin said. “So when they joined up, it was like those are two guys that can go get you a bucket at the end of games, but when James (Harden) came, it was kinda the same thing.”
- Jeff Green tied an NBA record by appearing in a playoff game for his seventh team, tweets Greg Logan of Newsday. In addition to the Nets, Green has been to the postseason with the Celtics, Cavaliers, Rockets, Clippers, Grizzlies and Thunder.
Kyrie won’t be a Net next season. He’ll do what he needs to do to make it thru these playoffs and try to get a championship, but, in his heart, he’s the puzzle, not a piece to the puzzle. I don’t think he minds being a part of a great team – he just wants to be “the guy” on a great team, not a talented 3rd wheel.
I don’t think he’s on this team Nov. 1 regardless of how successful this season ends.
Clearly you are not a Nets fan. Kyrie has been very solid on and off the court. Majority of Nets fans have no problem with him prioritizing social issues that are bigger than the game. He is doing a lot of great things for the community. He is not getting dealt after 50/40/90 season also
Didn’t you see Kyrie hug up to Kevin Durant’s bosom when they were waiting to check into the game in the fourth quarter? Sure looks like he loves being teammates with KD.
He could have gone anywhere and decided to go to the media hub of the country with arguably the best scorer of this generation. What are you smoking to come to the conclusion that he wants to “be the puzzle”. Was he not in bean town?
But Nov. 1 when he’s not on the team you all will give a hundred reasons why you knew he wouldn’t be.
I understand.
Still… he won’t be a Net 11.1.21.
Before Harden went to Brooklyn things definitely weren’t working, but since his arrival the Nets are looking like they could be a championship team.
Even though his scoring is way down from previous seasons and he’s no longer an MVP finalist, Harden has evolved into a true PG. Both his assists and rebounding numbers are up, but he’s not a stat stuffer like Westbrick.