In a game that ended yesterday, Durant helped the Nets beat the Knicks 110-107 with an all-around performance of 53 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists in a single game. After the game, Durant complained for his teammate Irving, and even scolded New York Mayor Eric Adams, saying that the epidemic prevention policy formulated by the other side was ridiculous and meaningless.
"It's ridiculous, I can't understand it at all. I just feel that at this critical juncture, someone wants to do something to prove their authority. You know, that's what the mayor wants, he just wants attention. Durant continued, "He'll soon understand that it doesn't make any sense. Many of the people who came to this arena to watch the ball were not vaccinated, and I wondered, is he concerned about our safety? I hope Adams understands that this is really stupid. ”
But less than 24 hours later, Durant's attitude took a 180-degree turn. Today, Durant issued a statement in which he did not apologize to New York Mayor Adams for his remarks yesterday, his tone softened and he was grateful for his efforts for the city.
"The last two years have been painful for a lot of people, and some of the rules and regulations have been changing and puzzling. I am very grateful to the Mayor of New York for his efforts for the city and for the time he has been leading the city through. My personal disappointment doesn't change the status quo, and I will continue to do everything in my power to help the city where I am living and working. ”
Durant's recent slightly radical remarks are behind the Nets' poor form this season. Despite their recent three-game winning streak, the Nets are currently only eighth in the East with a 35-33 record, trapped by epidemic regulations, with Irving only playing four of them in the remaining games of the season, while the Nets currently have a 2.5-win gap with the seventh-place Raptors.
If the regular season ends today, the Nets will have to travel to Canada to participate in the playoffs with the Raptors, and Irving is likely to be unable to play due to local epidemic prevention regulations in Toronto; if the team loses to the opponent and returns to the Barclays Center, Irving will still not be able to play. Losing a player who is close to averaging 26 points per game in the play-offs is an irreparable loss for any team.