Without Irving, the Nets were still a chess game, and the home court was unfortunately defeated by the opponent.
Doncic made steady output, shooting 14-of-26 from the field and 5-of-12 from three-point range, 37 points, 9 boards, 9 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. Although Durant's efficiency is different from the past, his performance in this game is still remarkable. Especially in the face of the bag clamp for a long time, he still assumed the responsibility of leadership, leading the team to fight with the Lone Ranger to the final moment.
At one point, the Nets were 14 points ahead of their opponents and were very close to victory. However, the Lone Ranger erased the gap in the final quarter and even completed the counter-overtaking. The two sides competed in the final five minutes for a fierce key moment, with Dragic scoring a goal, Doncic turning over and back jumping shot, Clarkston cutting a dunk, Finney Smith hitting two free throws, and Clarkston making a basket.
The scores of the two teams alternately rise, the suspense of the game deepens, and who wins and who loses may only be born in a fleeting round. 22.7 seconds before the finale, Doncic pulled out his signature stunt, using the rhythm to turn around and score backwards in the mid-range position, and the Lone Ranger led 110-108, a key goal that gave them an absolute advantage.
In the next round, Durant faced the bag restrictions of the Lone Ranger players, and instead of choosing to let his teammates decide the victory or defeat, he delivered a cruel key blow. Durant shot a difficult three-pointer against Dinwiddie's long arm, the ball went in, the scene boiled over, and the Nets took a 111-110 lead. At this moment, death descended, just one step away from victory.
The game isn't over yet, though. Doncic still had hope of making a final move, the Nets packed in time, and Doncic had to pass the ball to Dinwiddie at the top of the arc on the right. Time was running out, and Dinwiddie had to shoot defensively for three-pointers. The ball came in and the whistle was smashed, and Dinwiddie hit the first whistle-presser of his career.
In the whole game, Durant shot 8 of 20 and made 2 of 5 three-pointers with 23 points, 6 boards and 10 assists. Admittedly, the Nets regrettably lost and suffered a 14-point comeback from their opponents, but Durant and others have tried their best. If Irving can play, the Nets will not be in such a predicament. The complete net, someone can be the god of heaven, the god of death may not need to turn the tide.
Playoffs and playoffs, hopefully Irving can get back to playing normally. A complete Net, worth all the anticipation.