NBA
Nets Needed a Great Performance from KD and He Delivered in Historic Fashion
After Kyrie Irving/James Harden's injuries and two losses, the Nets needed a great performance from KD, and he delivered in historic fashion
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James Harden made his return for Brooklyn and struggled greatly, missing all eight of his three-point attempts, scoring only five points, but it was all about Kevin Durant on Tuesday night. He posted a ridiculous stat line of 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the Nets to a pivotal Game 5 comeback victory. Additionally, KD played every single minute of the game, and touched the ball on almost every single possession as Brooklyn needed each one. BRK now sits one win away from their first Conference Finals since 2003.
NETS NEEDED A GREAT PERFORMANCE FROM KD & HE DELIVERED IN HISTORIC FASHION
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Tuesday was Kevin Durant’s night, as he played every minute in a crucial Game 5 and performed at the highest level. He’s the only player to record 45 or more points, 15 or more boards, and 10 or more assists in a playoff game ever. The Slim Reaper shot 69.6% from the field, which is the third highest field goal percentage for a 40+ point triple-double in NBA postseason history. It wasn’t just that he put up these historic numbers on the stat sheet, but he made winning play after winning play when the game mattered most.
In a critical Game 5 that the Nets once trailed by 17 points, it was Durant who stepped up with 31 points in the second half, including 20 points in the 4th quarter. Plenty of contested heat checks fell as he completely took over down the stretch while Giannis’ play declined. KD had the opportunity to show that he was good enough to win by himself, and there are no questions anymore. He delivered.
KD IS ON FIRE 😱 pic.twitter.com/B6VUdfdrOu
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 16, 2021
KD IS TOO CLUTCH 😱 pic.twitter.com/R1JJGg5V7T
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 16, 2021
Historic night for @KDTrey5.
▪️ 49 PTS, 17 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK
▪️ Nets #NBAPlayoffs record for PTS
▪️ 1st 45/15/10 game in #NBAPlayoffsKevin Durant played all 48 minutes in a game for the ages to lead the @BrooklynNets back from 17 down and put them up 3-2. #ThatsGame pic.twitter.com/TAB5AFFdj4
— NBA (@NBA) June 16, 2021
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