Triple threats
Even after loss to Cavaliers, Durant says Big Three ‘felt perfect’
TheNets’BigThreeofKevinDurant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden played their first game as teammates in a 147-135 double-overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Despite the double-digit loss, which underscored Brooklyn’s top priority of shoring its subpar defense, Durant suggested their debut as a trio is off to a great start.
“It felt right. It felt perfect. It felt like we belongedtogether,” said Durant, whofinished withateam-high 38points on12-of-25shooting. “It felt like this journey together is going to be fun. Tough first start, and obviously it was an up and down game for us, but I like where we are.”
One example of Brooklyn’s supercharged superstar power was on display in the fourth quarter while the Nets battled back from a 14-point deficit.
First Harden crossed a defender for a stepback 3-pointer. Then Durant pulled up for one of his patented mid-range jump shots. Then Joe Harris contorted his body for a behind-the-back loose-ball save, before the ball whipped around to Irving, wide open for a corner 3.
Irving, in first game back in Cleveland since signing with the Nets, returned from a personal leave and scored 37 points, making more than half of his shots. Harden recorded his second consecutive triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
While it was tough to lose, Irving was impressed by Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton, who scored 42 points and looked a lot like Irving on one of his scoring tears.
‘“Two overtimes for my first game back?” said Irving, who played a career-high 48 minutes in his first game since Jan. 5. “You’ve got to love NBA ball, though. I was smiling whenCollinSextonwasmakingthoseshots.”
Harden admitted he’s still trying to find out where he fits in this new scenario after orchestrating his owntradefromtheRockets to the Nets. He has been an incredible passer through his first twogamesbutisstill looking for where he can find comfort with his shot selection, no longer playing as the main star as he was in Houston.
“We’ll have good nights, great nights,” Irving said. “I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Brooklyn’s Big Threecombinedfor11ofthe team’s 16 turnovers, withveteran forwardJeff Green adding another four.
The debut of the Nets’ new look faded to black behind Sexton’s huge night for the Cavs, butNetscoachSteveNash, like Durant, said he believesthiswasthefirststeponalongjourney.
“This was the first night that we’ve had everyone on the floor together. We seemed a little lost at times, which is natural because we haven’t played together, so there’s a little indecision,” Nash said.