Kendrick Perkins lauded Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for their impressive performances during NBA preseason.
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The much awaited Eastern Conference duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving finally took center stage in last night’s preseason action against the Washington Wizards. This would’ve been a great opportunity to see Westbrook in action as well but he did not play.
Kevin Durant hasn’t stepped foot on NBA hardwood since Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, where he tore his Achilles. Kyrie Irving on the other hand, did not participate in the NBA Bubble alongside his Nets teammates.
Irving did look sharp in the games he played before league suspension, however, this was without Durant. This preseason game would be the first time the world saw the KD-Kyrie tandem in action, together.
Kendrick Perkins is beyond ecstatic about KD and Kyrie
“I visualized this day for so long,” said an anxious Kevin Durant before suiting up to hit the floor. However, the way he played, in limited minutes too, would make it seem like he’s coming off an All-NBA caliber season.
He dropped a respectable 15 points in 23 minutes. Kyrie Irving has also not been a part of competitive NBA basketball since March. However, it feels like he hasn’t skipped a beat either.
Irving notched 18 points while shooting an efficient 7 for 9 from the field.
Upon watching their debuts, Kendrick Perkins immediately took to Twitter to praise their play.
Are the Brooklyn Nets the team to beat in the East?
Though this was an impressive debut for both Durant and Kyrie, this is merely a preseason game. Both stars were on limited minutes as well. They have not proven anything as of yet.
The Miami Heat are still the defending Eastern Conference champions and should be treated as such. The Milwaukee Bucks have the reigning league MVP and also added Jrue Holiday to the mix.
It’s safe to say that the Nets will have to climb their way to the top, just like every other team in the NBA.
