Despite the absence of many players, the Nets still beat the philadelphia team 114-105 on December 17, and the team's record continued to be in the first place in the East. Durant broke out again, Griffin was activated to do very well, rookie Cameron Thomas continued to create surprises, and new signing Galloway also played here. The Nets are on the doorstep.
First, Durant was in hot form, contributing 34 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. He has played 30+5+5 in four consecutive games and seems to be at his peak. The Nets have a five-game winning streak. Harden, Aldridge, Irving, Joe Harris and other big players are out. Durant actually led such a remnant team to continue to win, and beat the Philadelphia team. Durant's leadership was once again on display. No wonder the previous veterans survey reported that most of them chose Durant as the strongest player in the league at the moment.
Second, Griffin maintained a steady performance, scoring 17 points and 9 rebounds in this game, and made a contribution in key moments. With 1:13 left in the game, Griffin made a crucial three-pointer to give the Nets a 110-103 lead. Griffin had previously been hidden by Nash Snow. After playing against the Cavaliers on 23 November, he was sidelined for a long time. But with the wounded battalion in full camp, Griffin returned on December 9. He has started in both of his last two games and scored in double figures.
Third, rookie Cameron Thomas continued to create surprises, and in this game he had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, and 2 of 2 three-pointers. The rookie has scored in double figures 4 times in the last 5 games.
Fourth, the Nets signed Galloway with a difficult exception to play 9 minutes in this game, with 3 points and 1 rebound. Galloway has extensive experience playing for the Suns last season, averaging 4.8 points per game, shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three-point range. He averaged 10.3 points per game for the Pistons in 2019-20 and shot 39.9 percent from three-point range. Galloway fits Nash's tactical system well. The Nets were wise to sign him to the rescue.
The Nets currently have a record of 21 wins and eight losses, 2.5 wins ahead of the second-place Bucks. The Nets are quarantined by seven, with Harris and Irving sidelined. But under the predicament, the team burst out of great energy, for the Nets, multiple people being isolated may turn into a good thing, making the players more united.