By Derrel Jazz Johnson
Kevin Durant led the Brooklyn Nets with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while James Harden notched a double-double with 16 points and 11 assists as the Nets won their third in a row last night by defeating the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center 117-108.
Durant reflected on his masterful performance. “I just felt like the lane was open,” Durant said of assessing the Atlanta defense. “I felt like I can get to wherever I want on the floor, and it just about me knocking down shots. And I was aggressive all night. I felt my teammates were looking for me.”
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
Nets second year head coach Steve Nash evaluated the team’s performance. “We’re improving on both ends,” he said. “More understanding defensively how we want to play, and offensively we’re becoming more willing to get to second actions and then trust and move it and not play against a loaded defense. We’re improving, we’re getting a feel for one another, but it’s got to be a process that we never let go of.”
Forward Joe Harris, who had been struggling lately, nailed 6 of 8 3-pointers and finished the game with 18 points. He is now shooting 40% from downtown and his confidence is growing. Said Harris of his performance, “tonight was one of those situations where l got a lot of open looks early and then you get confidence going and start hunting a little more and guys are looking for you.”
Hawks Trae Young, who gave the Knicks fits in last year’s playoffs, came within 1 point of a triple duouble scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Durant talked about defending the wirey guard. “Trey Young is dangerous in that pick and roll,” he began. “I thought we did a solid job of playing him tough all night and making him shoot over guys.”
Brooklyn embarks on a season-high six-game road trip starting Friday in Detroit.
Sports Editor Andrew Rosario contributed to this article.
Recent Comments