On April 13, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA playoffs officially began a fierce battle. In the first Eastern Conference playoff game, the Nets (No. 7) host to the Cavaliers (No. 8), and the winner of this game will lock in the 7th Eastern Conference to advance to the playoffs!
Before today's game, Nets coach Nash said bluntly: "We need to find a way to make Durant comfortable playing." After the game began, Durant played the first quarter, and he hit three shots in almost the same position in the right mid-range, which was also Durant's only three shots in the first quarter. However, in terms of organizing the team's offense, Durant single-handedly delivered 6 assists, 8 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists in a single quarter.
On the defensive end, Durant is even more full-fledged. In one of the rounds, Cavaliers star Markkanen hardened under the basket, and Durant single-handedly covered the sky with a nail plate cap, which directly overturned Markkanen! Durant delivered two blocks in this quarter alone. With Durant's frantic offensive and defensive performances, the Nets led the Cavaliers 40-20 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Durant had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist on 1-of-2 shooting in the midfield. After entering the third quarter, Durant passed good balls for his teammates in a row, and again scored four assists in a single quarter. On the personal offensive end, Durant made two baskets. After the third quarter, the Nets led the Cavaliers 85-73, and Durant had 16 points, five rebounds and 11 assists.
In the final quarter, Durant quickly hit a shot from mid-range. The Cavaliers then launched a counterattack to narrow the gap to six points at one point, and Durant hit two consecutive mid-range shots at key moments, widening the point difference to double digits. In the final moments of the game, Durant hit a free throw and the Nets won!
In the end, the Nets defeated the Cavaliers 115:108 to advance to the playoffs, and they will play against the Celtics in the first round. Durant played 42 minutes today, shooting 9 of 16, 1 of 2 from three-point range, 6 of 6 from the free throws, and totaled 25 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, plus-minus +16 high in the first place on the team!
According to the schedule, the Nets will play their first game against the Green Army next Monday.