To KD, Nets trio feels Kevin-sent

The Nets’ Big Three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden played their first game as teammates in a 147-135 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. 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 belonged together,” said Durant, who finished with a team-high 38 points on 12-of-25 shooting from the field. “It felt like this journey together is gonna 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 super-starpower was on display in the fourth quarter while the Nets battled back from a 14-point deficit.

First Harden crossed a defender for a step-back three. 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 three.

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.

Harden admitted he’s still trying to find out where he fits in this new scenario after orchestrating his own trade from the Rockets to the Nets. He has been an incredible passer through his first two games but is still looking for where he can find comfortability with his shot selection, now in a totally different scenario than he was as the main star in Houston.

Brooklyn’s Big Three also combined for 11 of the team’s 16 turnovers, with veteran forward Jeff Green adding another four. The Nets’ superstar debut faded to black behind a 42-point night from Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton, but Nets head coach Steve Nash, like Durant, believes this was the first step on a long journey.

“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. “But I stay positive. These guys, first night out together, just getting a feel for each other, and this is gonna be a process. It’s gonna take the entire year. While we’re all disappointed, we’ve got lots to build on, lots to grow, and lots more opportunities.”