The Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant have finally found their feet or so it appears. The franchise, which had a rocky start to kick off its 2022/2023 campaign has at long last found rhythm and synergy amongst itself.
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Kyrie Irving’s return from suspension has seen a visible increase in morale and belief within the organization. The roster has since recently gone on a seven-game win streak courtesy of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
While the Nets haven’t had any trouble with scoring, given they employ two of the most prolific and clinical scorers the game has ever witnessed, their defense was the larger concern.
Well to the dismay of many, the Nets have just effectively shown that their defense is not as substandard as many believe. In fact, led by Nic Claxton and Kevin Durant, the franchise has found its calling in defending the paint.
Kevin Durant leads the Brooklyn Nets’ defense!
Kevin Durant has cemented his legacy as one of the superlative ‘pure’ scorers, of not just his generation, but in the history of the sport. At 7-feet there isn’t anything KD can’t do on the floor. A magnificent three-level scorer. This is the reputation worn by Durant on his sleeve.
One facet of his game that is often overlooked is his effective defense. Ultimately, the Brooklyn Nets ‘All-Star’ has been paid his due, after recent reports came out that indicated that Durant and teammate, Nic Claxton are the foremost defensive duo in the league.
Kevin Durant and Nic Claxton have been the best defensive duo in the NBA this season.
They are 1st and 2nd in PPP allowed on ISO attempts (0.85) and (0.86).
Players shoot 11% worse than expected at the rim against Clax (98th %) and 10% less than expected against KD (97th %) pic.twitter.com/zZ03KE752K
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) December 23, 2022
The pair rank first and second in ‘Points per Possession’ allowed on isolation attempts at 0.85 and 0.86. Furthermore, opponents score at a staggering 11% or less from around the paint against the two. Decisive.
Finally, the two-time NBA champion can have his mind at ease, knowing that he has proved his critics wrong, and put all the scrutiny to bed.
And in all due fairness, an extremely impressive feat from Claxton too, who has often gone under the radar, due to the constant drama in New York.
Are the Brooklyn Nets championship contenders?
It goes without saying that any team who possesses such stupendous talents as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will always be an integral threat to the rest of the conference. After a bumpy start, the Nets have aligned their objective.
The franchise currently sits fifth in a stacked Eastern Conference. The Slimreaper is currently averaging 30.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31 games this season. Irving is having himself a season as well averaging 26.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 22 games this season.
With these two firing on all cylinders, and the role players performing their roles effectively, there’s no reason as to why the Brooklyn-based franchise cannot find a spot in the NBA Finals.
Also read: SZA’s ‘I’m Pressing N**gas Like KD’ Bar Has Kevin Durant Flabbergasted, “It’s So F**king Cool”
