On January 8, Beijing time, the NBA regular season ushered in a focus showdown, and the Nets sat at home to meet the Bucks. In this game, Irving missed the game because he did not comply with New York's epidemic prevention regulations, Harden and Durant led the team to meet the enemy, and the Bucks side including Holliday and Da luo were absent. However, despite the Bucks' half-set starters and half-set bench lineups, the Nets were still behind and beaten in the whole game, falling behind by as many as 24 points at most, and finally lost to the Bucks 109-121, suffering a five-game losing streak at home.
Facing the Bucks who eliminated themselves last season, the Nets who played at home should have been the more motivated side, but they did not have enough energy at both ends of the game, failed to match the intensity of the Bucks' game, and could not attack and defend!
Harden continued the slump of the last 2 games, scoring 16 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 turnovers on 6-of-15 shooting, plus-minus -20, Durant was difficult to support, 19 shots and 10 mid-range, 29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block!
After this campaign, the Nets' record against the top four teams in the East and West reached 0-8. In these 8 games, Ha averaged 16.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 8.4 assists, shooting 34.2% from the field and 32% from three-point range, all five of which were below the season average. In this regard, some fans joked that Harden had never pulled a crotch in the face of a strong team.
Speaking about Harden's slump after the game, coach Nash said: "I don't know if Harden feels tired, but he was allowed not to be at his best on some nights and I believe him. ”
Asking about why the team's defensive level has declined in recent games, Nash continued: "If I knew, I would be a very good coach. "In the last five games, the Nets have conceded an average of 118 points per game! Ironically, after losing to the Grizzlies on Jan. 4, Nash also claimed the team was a defensive team!
Harden also talked about his slump after the game, Harden said: "It's frustrating, there are four or five games, I can't get back in shape on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends, it's happening all season and need to get out of that." ”
Durant expressed his thoughts about Irving after the game, "I told Irving how important he was to the team and how much I wish he could play all the games. KD said!
Today's Nets seem a bit lifeless, and they really need the return of the European Immortals, injecting a wisp of immortality into the team, and regaining energy and morale.