BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Brooklyn has misplaced back-to-back video games since Kevin Durant sprained the MCL in his proper knee, however it’s not time for anybody to panic, least of all the opposite gamers on the Nets’ roster.
Durant is predicted again in about three weeks, and function gamers like Joe Harris, Seth Curry and TJ Warren will look to step up in each workload and productiveness in his absence.
“There’s worse occasions to undergo an harm like this that doesn’t appear to be it’s going to influence the long-term outlook of the season for the Nets,” stated Locked On Nets co-host Adam Armbrecht in a Monday look on the Locked On NBA podcast. “This isn't what you name a one-to-one. … Actually it’s concerning the sum of the components while you discuss concerning the supporting solid.”
Curry scored 23 off the bench in a loss to the Thunder over the weekend, whereas Warren poured in 20 in a reserve function in a loss to Boston three nights prior. However extra urgent than particular person stat traces for Brooklyn is that each performances got here in losses, and the Nets will hope to keep away from shedding floor within the Japanese Convention whereas Durant’s knee heals.
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Durant’s co-stars in Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, might want to do extra, Armbrecht stated, however they may each have to play inside themselves slightly than going exterior their consolation zones in an try to interchange Durant’s MVP-caliber manufacturing.
“The balancing act for Kyrie is to not go ‘hero ball,’ (however) let the sport come to you, belief the supporting solid, and we’ve seen some good samples already with that,” Armbrecht instructed Locked On NBA host Jackson Gatlin.
“For Ben Simmons, it’s totally different. … There are moments in video games (the place) if he’s just a bit extra aggressive and appears to assault, he will likely be rewarded with that. We would like him to take the following step, however I don’t know if you wish to demand it proper now within the absence of Kevin Durant, as a result of it could result in doubtlessly extra detrimental play from him.”
Simmons was scoreless in opposition to Boston and didn't gown in opposition to Oklahoma Metropolis, that means his resurgence could be the largest key to Brooklyn’s success with out Durant.
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