In what it seems, the Brooklyn Nets have flipped the switch post a poor start to the season. Jacque Vaughn and crew have won 8 of their last 9 games despite not being at full strength on most occasions, with Kevin Durant putting on display an offensive clinic.
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KD this season:
— 30/7/5
— 56/34/92%
— Best FG% by a player with 30 PPG
— 4th in the East
— Leading league in PTS
— Leading Nets in PTS and ASTBuilding an MVP case. pic.twitter.com/6LIGMo4LYq
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 12, 2022
In what marked their 3rd meeting of the season, the Nets would defeat the Wizards. Durant and Irving combined for an impressive 54-points, extending their regular season record to 3-0 against the Washington team and improving their record to 17-12.
Ever since Vaughn assumed the responsibilities of the head coach, there has been a considerable improvement in the team’s defense, with the likes of Ben Simmons and Yuta Watanabe stepping up, providing aid to Nic Claxton, the team’s only answer to the opposition’s offense.
Addressing the media postgame, Durant revealed the reason behind the team’s recent 8-1 run.
“We building something, we gotta continue to keep on fine-tuning”: Kevin Durant gets candid on the Nets’ recent run.
A current top-10 scorer in the league, Durant continues to show why he’s one of the most efficient players in the modern era, averaging 30.0 PPG on 55.9% shooting. Speaking of the team’s recent performances, the two-time Finals MVP had the following to say. (below are some excerpts)
“First of all, we wanna be a connective group on both ends of the floor,” said KD.
Speaking of the team’s 8-1 run in the last 9 games, the 34-year-old was as candid as it gets.
“Favorable schedule, being at home for seven of those, and being able to wake up in our own beds and have our own routine at home definitely matters, we also faced teams that missed a couple of guys as well but for the most part, I like the brand of basketball we played on both ends of the floor.”
Kevin Durant: “We building something, we gotta continue to keep on fine tuning.” pic.twitter.com/TdAjOJsPfM
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) December 13, 2022
Well, Durant is in no hurry to give himself or his teammates a pat on the shoulder, given there is still a long road ahead.
Are Brooklyn Nets a top contender in the east?
Given the talent on the team, one would assume the Nets to conquer the east, given the offensively skilled duo of Durant and Irving.
Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case for the team due to lackluster defense and continuous controversies rocking the organization.
Going forward, the Nets need to ensure they’re on the same page, especially for Irving, who during his course with the team so far has missed more games than played.