In this year's playoffs, the Nets and Celtics once again played out in the first round. This time, though, the Celtics are the one with home-court advantage. They have a superior record and have improved a lot compared to last season. The game was as intense and exciting as one might expect. Irving scored 39 points, and in the fourth quarter he scored 18 points alone and almost reversed the game. However, the Greenshirts grasped the final attack and used the sudden scoring tactic to penetrate the Nets' defense. Tatum received a pass from Smart and turned to the basket to complete the fatal blow, ending the game. The Nets failed to win the series opening and could grab home advantage if they could win.
The Nets were eliminated on the road, and Durant dragged his feet in this game
Next, the Nets have to review and summarize the game, especially durant, the core of the Nets. Because he dragged the team's hind legs in this game, Durant, as a player who averaged nearly 30 points per game in the regular season, only had 23 points to shoot less than 40% in this game. Durant can often maintain a shooting rate of more than 50%, and it is rare to shoot less than 40% of the shots in a game. Durant was in a slump for most of the day, especially a few offenses in the 4th quarter, with multiple singles against Tatum unsuccessful. Durant also made a very serious mistake in the last minute.
Durant's key defense leaks like a headless fly
On the last defensive, Durant was like a headless fly not knowing where to stand. The Celtics' first breakthrough point was passed by Brown to Matt on the left, at this time Durant looked a little confused, he did not know who to follow, this time Smart broke through to find Tatum of Neche, Tatum slipped in from Behind Durant, facing Irving a turn to complete the layup. Durant is absolutely responsible for this ball because it is he who defends Tatum.
This ball Durant can not be called defensive, he has completely freed Tatum. It's hard to imagine what happened when the playoffs were defended for the last time. Many fans taunted Durant after the game: his defensive performance was like playing a 2K controller broken
The Nets must improve their defense if they want to win
The playoffs are very demanding defensively, and throughout the championship-winning teams in recent years, their defense has been excellent. The Nature of the Nets' questioning this season is also defense, and the Nets' offensive firepower has not been bad. From the moment Durant played for the Nets, the team's offensive firepower has never been afraid of anyone. The Nets hit a few goals in the final moments of the game, which was difficult, including Durant's many difficult singles in this game. The Nets took the lead several times in the 4th quarter, but why did they lose? It's because I can't prevent it. The nets on the defensive end are too big, often leaking people to communicate in place, and there is also a complete vacancy situation like Durant. This defensive performance also does not deserve to win.
Finally, Durant's performance in the playoffs is there for all to see, and we can't deny Durant because of a game of sluggish play. Durant needs to adjust himself, and in the next few games, Durant will not only have to find his offensive form, but also need to spend more energy on the defensive end, and cannot let the attacker easily break into the interior line. The Nets must start defensively if they want to break through this season. Dear readers, how do you evaluate Durant's performance in this game? Feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below the article.