On January 14, Beijing time, the Nets, which lacked Durant, lost 109-130 at home to the Thunder. Harden single giant battle, although 26 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists, but the offensive efficiency is relatively poor, the whole game 22 shots 7. Thunder Alexander had 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Dort once again showed harden's star nature, with 27 points and 2 assists, and 6-of-10 from three-point range.
In this game, the Nets lack Durant, Irving, Joe Harris, Aldridge and Mills, which is equivalent to Harden fighting with 4 many substitute players. The bearded man was guarded by the Thunder. Although rookies Thomas, Bruce Brown and Duke scored in double figures, the Thunder players attacked too violently, especially Alexander and Dolt to rotate the offense, making the Nets invincible.
The Thunder showed no mercy to the Nets, who were missing major generals, and played 38-26 in the first quarter, 32-25 in the second quarter, and led by 19 points at 70-51 in the first half. The Nets in the second half were also powerless to return to the sky, and the Thunder continued to expand their lead as they fought more and more courageously.
Both Alexander and Dolt were very efficient. Alexander shot 11 of 18 and 2 of 5 of 3 from 5 with 9 of 10 free throws, giving him a plus-minus of +30. Dort shot 9-of-17, 6-of-10 from three-point range and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.
Josh Gidey contributed 19 points and seven assists, and David Bezley had 16 points and five rebounds. Muscala scored 16 points.
The Nets have been poor lately, losing six of their last nine games and the team is two wins behind the Bulls, who are no. 1 in the East. Irving can only play away games, and neither Harden nor Durant have been in good shape lately. Durant is on leave. Before this game, when Durant and Irving were absent, Harden alone led the team to average 33.8 points, 9.2 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game, shooting 42.8%.
But it is clear that this battle against the Thunder, Harden is not in the best condition, but let Alexander and Dort erupt. Alexander averaged 22.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season, giving him a chance to storm the All-Star spot.
Dolt is hailed as one of the best players to defend Harden, and he once rose to fame for defending Harden in the 2019-20 season. This time, Dort had a good performance.