On January 11, Beijing time, the two giants of the Nets and the Blazers launched a fierce contest in the regular season. In this campaign, Brooklyn stars James Harden, Joe Harris, LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland stars Damian Leelad, CJ McCollum, Nance Jr., Norman Powell are missing. Two teams, a visual feast for the fans.
In the first half, the two teams played a big battle on the field, but the difference was always between single digits. The Nets fired inside and out, and the Blazers took advantage of the inside to maneuver with them. The two sides clenched the score, and after halftime, the Nets led the Trail Blazers by 62-55 by 62-55 under the excellent performance of Durant and Irving.
At halftime, the Nets led the Trail Blazers by seven points
Durant went on a 20+5 run, Irving scored 14 points, and the Nets led the Trail Blazers by seven points! Harden Lillard is out!
As the first quarter began, Nurkic made 1 of 2 free throws and Durant scored on a jumper. Ben McLemore and Irving fired three-pointers and Nurkic hit 2 free throws. Duke and Anfeni Simmons fired three-pointers and Durant hit all two free throws. Nurkic hooked up, Little and Covington scored consecutive free throws, and Ben McLemore scored on a layup. Irving played single-handedly, and Simmons responded with a 2+1. Thomas scored two 3-pointers, Covington and Little each hit two free throws, and the two teams faced each other on the court.
Irving jumper
Nurkic scored 2 free throws and Irving hit 1 free throw. Irving scored on a jumper, James Johnson dunked and the Nets clenched the score. Little scored two free throws, Watford dunked, Ellby scored on a layup and the Blazers went on a 6-0 run to extend the point difference to eight points. Durant hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding for the Nets. Smith scored on a jumper and the first quarter was over, and the Nets trailed 26-33.
In the second quarter, Irving scored from a distance, and Elby scored with a hooker. Sharp dunked, and Smith's jumper was able to hit. James Johnson hit a 2+0 and Sharp blocked Smith's dunk. Ellerby scored single-handedly and Durant hit two free throws. Nurkic scored from the inside, Durant scored 2 free throws, Edwards hit a long-range shot, Sharp scored 2 goals, and the Nets went on a 9-2 run to overtake the score.
Sharp covered Smith's dunk
Little threw in and out to stop the bleeding for the Trail Blazers. Durant scored four points on consecutive free throws, and Covington scored on a layup. Ben McLemore scored two free throws and Sharp scored on a layup. Irving hit a three-pointer and Simmons threw in. Durant hit a long-range shot and Covington responded with a three-pointer. Sharp scored a layup and the Blazers requested a timeout. Bemburi scored on a layup and Nurkic scored a goal. Durant scored on a jumper, Simmons hit a 2+0 and Thomas scored on a jumper. After halftime, the Blazers trailed 55-62.
Nets Kevin Durant
Nets star Kevin Durant played 20 minutes in the half, shooting 5-of-9, 2-of-4 from three-point range and 8-of-8 from the free throw line, and got a full stat of 20 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. KD, who went on a rampage in the first half. Durant, with a 56 percent shooting percentage, scored the highest score in the half.
In addition, Durant was the player who walked to the free throw line the most in the first half. Durant, the aggressiveness on the offensive end is evident. Durant also got the second most rebounds in the half. Durant, who played well on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends.
Durant and Irving
Nets star Kyrie Irving played 19 minutes in the half, shooting 5-of-10, 3-of-4 from three-point range, 1-of-1 from the free throw line, and had 14 points, 1 board, 2 assists and 1 steal. Irving, with a 50 percent shooting percentage, scored the second highest score of the half. Irving, who also shot the most three-pointers from both teams, also shot 75 percent from the field. Irving, on the outside, achieved full firepower.
Irving and Durant's wonderful performances are the main reason why the Nets still maintained the lead at halftime. In the absence of James Harden, Irving and Durant stepped forward and achieved an outbreak.
Durant, Irving and Harden
Half-time stats for both teams
Nets: Harden is out, Durant 20 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, Irving 14 points, 1 board, 2 assists, 1 steal, Sharpe 8 points, 6 boards, 1 assist and 2 blocks, Thomas 8 points, 1 board and 1 steal.
Trail Blazers: Lillard is out, Covington has 9 points and 3 boards, Little 7 points, 3 boards and 2 blocks, Ben McLemore 7 points and 3 boards, Nurkic 10 points and 4 boards, Andrea Simmons 10 points and 4 assists.