Vaughn Must Adjust Without Durant
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Derrel Jazz Johnson
Before Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets
had won 18 of their last 20 games. But they were also about to begin a
streak of at least a few weeks without NBA leader Kevin Durant, who is
out with an isolated MCL sprain of the right knee. Brooklyn now has
dropped two in a row after a 112-102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder
at Barclays Center last Sunday night.
Kyrie Irving once again had a subpar game without Durant and pointed
out how the dialogue about the team has changed drastically since
their win in Miami in the game in which Durant was injured.
“It was all glory, glory last week when we were winning games every
game,” Irving said. “And now we’re answering questions about
potentially struggling. I don’t think we are going to struggle without
Kevin now. That’s not my belief. I know guys in the locker room don’t
believe that.
Seth Curry led Brooklyn with 23 points, while Nic Claxton finished
with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Irving had 15 points on 20
shots.
Brooklyn was without Ben Simmons as well as Durant. Simmons was ruled
out prior to tip-off with back soreness. Head coach Vaughn said
Simmons would make the trip with the team and is hopeful he will play
in San Antonio. After facing the Spurs, Brooklyn heads to Phoenix,
Utah, Golden State and Philadelphia before returning home to
host the Detroit Pistons.
Before Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets
had won 18 of their last 20 games. But they were also about to begin a
streak of at least a few weeks without NBA leader Kevin Durant, who is
out with an isolated MCL sprain of the right knee. Brooklyn now has
dropped two in a row after a 112-102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder
at Barclays Center last Sunday night.
Kyrie Irving once again had a subpar game without Durant and pointed
out how the dialogue about the team has changed drastically since
their win in Miami in the game in which Durant was injured.
“It was all glory, glory last week when we were winning games every
game,” Irving said. “And now we’re answering questions about
potentially struggling. I don’t think we are going to struggle without
Kevin now. That’s not my belief. I know guys in the locker room don’t
believe that.
Seth Curry led Brooklyn with 23 points, while Nic Claxton finished
with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Irving had 15 points on 20
shots.
Brooklyn was without Ben Simmons as well as Durant. Simmons was ruled
out prior to tip-off with back soreness. Head coach Vaughn said
Simmons would make the trip with the team and is hopeful he will play
in San Antonio. After facing the Spurs, Brooklyn heads to Phoenix,
Utah, Golden State and Philadelphia before returning home to
host the Detroit Pistons.
