The Nets played at home today to face their city rivals, eventually winning 110-107 over the Knicks.
As it was a home game, Irving could not play today, and Durant had to lead the team alone. It is worth mentioning that Owen bought his own ticket today and appeared in the audience, but could not appear on the field.
Durant led the team alone today, playing 42 minutes, shooting 19-of-37, including 4-of-13 three-pointers and 11-of-12 free throws, with 53 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals.
This is the second time in this season that Durant has scored a 50+ in a single game in the regular season, becoming the third player in the league to score 50 points multiple times this season after James and Tatum. The 53 points also set a new season high for Durant this season, after a record of 51 points against the Pistons on December 13, 2021.
In addition, Durant's 53 points was the highest personal score against the Knicks in The Nets history and the third highest individual player score in Nets history since the merger of the two major leagues. Today's game is also the second time in Durant's Nets career that he has played a single game 50+, second only to Irving (3 times) in Nets history. Irving scored 50+ twice last season and once this season.
Durant also became the third player in league history to score 50+ multiple times on three different teams, alongside Chamberlain and James. Previously, when playing for the Thunder and Warriors, Durant has cut 50+ many times. Durant is also the fifth player in league history to have multiple 50+ games in a single season after the age of 33.
It is worth mentioning that just before Durant, James had just achieved this feat. In one week, James slashed 50+ twice, setting a whole bunch of records. Moreover, James is 37 years old, and he has become the first player in history to cut 50+ many times after the age of 35.
Although Durant is 4 years younger than James, he is not young at 33 years old, and Durant has also suffered a major injury to a ruptured Achilles tendon, and it is not easy to play such a performance.