The Brooklyn Nets are already here. After a very difficult start to the season, with more problems off the field than on the field, the New Yorkers managed to hit the switch. And they did it by going back to their origins, or at least to the original plan: Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The two stars joined forces in their goal to put the team in the position they deserve and thanks to this they have already added 7 wins in their last 10 games.
The last highlight, a clutch 120 to 116 win over the Atlanta Hawks, a win that moves them up to fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The turnaround after Steve Nash was fired and Irving reinstated was remarkable. The New Yorkers have taken a much-anticipated step forward defensively, as well as offensive fluidity, hitting a sweet spot and closing the gaps somewhat.
In that sense, KD’s consistent elite performance has helped, but so has Kyrie starting to better choose when and how to use his individual skills.
🤯 KD explodes on the shelf 🔥
Kevin Durant’s sickening adjustment to the NBA app
📲 https://t.co/1pomQZN8Pi pic.twitter.com/DccxGLuxH1—NBA (@NBA) December 10, 2022
In this latest duel against the Hawks, Jacques Vaughan’s men left their opponents in a 10 of 29 on threes (34.5%), forcing 17 turnovers and generally with good feelings. All this time Durant went to 34 points on 14 of 25 attempts (56%), with 4 assists and 4 rebounds, having by his side Irving with 33 points on 11 of 21 shooting (52.4%), 11 rebounds and 3 assists.
Kyrie makes the Hawks dance 💃 pic.twitter.com/39H1V9bJPK
— Sportingnewses Spain 🇪🇸 (@sportingnewses) December 10, 2022
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Things are starting to pick up in Brooklyn, a team that seems to have struck a balance between the offensive gravitas of its stars and team play. There, figures like Seth Curry, TJ Warren and Royce O’Neale they are fundamental as it proved today.
In those last 10 engagements the Nets were the 10th best offense (112.8) and average defense (111.7). But what’s really important is that they’ve beaten the Hawks, Blazers, Raptors and Grizzlies twice, falling only to the Celtics, Pacers and 76ers.
The Nets are on a positive path and may soon take a step further.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
