The Nets challenged the Heat, who ranked no. 1 in the East, with two superstars, Durant and Irving, playing hand in hand. The Heat, already suffering a three-game losing streak, desperately need a win to halt the slump, while the Nets are struggling to win in a bid to get out of the play-offs. A big fight was on the verge of breaking out, and in the end, the Nets successfully crushed the Heat with a 40-21 attack wave in the second quarter, ending the losing streak.
Durant only played 30 minutes and 37 seconds, and on 7-of-14 shooting, he had a comprehensive stat of 23 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block, and successfully clocked in early in the third quarter. Compared to averaging 36.7 minutes per game this season, only playing 30 minutes, it is already a rest for Durant.
Durant's partner Irving did not feel good in this campaign, shooting only 4 of 11, including only 1 of 5 from three-point range, and got 11 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Although Irving's performance is out of par, Irving will become a full-time player in the next game, which is good news for the Nets.
Irving's slump is naturally filled in, and that's where the Nets offense is powerful. Starting guard Sescuri shot 6-of-10 from the field in 22 minutes, including 5-of-6 from three-point range and 17 points, he also became the best fire support point for Durant's side. Curry, no matter how big or small, is real incense.
After Harden left the Nets, the Nets' offense became more fluid. And Harden's chips Drummond and Seth Curry have become the main force of the team, coupled with Simmons, who is known for his defense, the nets' strength has not decreased but has risen. Simmons is more like an enlarged version of Brown, but after the comeback, it is likely to start from the bench.