"I probably [am] responsible for us not playing on Christmas” – Kevin Durant regrets missing a dream matchup against New York Knicks on Christmas
The Brooklyn Nets aren't playing on Christmas Day, and Kevin Durant admittedly takes the blame for it. With five games on Sunday, one would think an iconic rivalry game would take place, but that won't be the case. The New York Knicks won't be playing against the Nets this year.
When asked if Durant has any regrets for not being able to play this weekend, the All-Star said "yes." He also took the responsibility for it not happening because of the drama that took place in the Nets organization. The two-time champ thought it would've been a great game if his team played against the Knicks, who have been playing great as of late.
"Knicks-Nets would've been a great Christmas day matchup," Durant said. "Yeah, there's probably some people (regretting the decision), especially with the way the Knicks are playing and the way we're playing right now. I feel like that would've been a perfect matchup on Christmas. Hopefully we can get that going forward.
"But, yeah, I probably (am) responsible for us not playing on Christmas with what went on this summer."
Kevin Durant takes blame for Brooklyn getting left off Christmas schedule: 'Knicks-Nets would've been perfect'
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Due to the events over the summer, the Nets weren't considered for a game on Dec. 25. During the summer, KD asked to be traded from Brooklyn and caused a whirlwind of drama. The events that followed it were attempts from teams trying to get him, but ultimately ended up failing.
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks is working with Kevin Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman on finding a trade for the franchise star, Kleiman tells ESPN.
After his trade request, the coaching job became a huge topic of discussion. Nets general manager Sean Marks fired coach Steve Nash and eventually promoted Jacque Vaughn. In addition to the coaching change, guard Kyrie Irving was on the news for his antisemitic comments.
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Kevin Durant isn't all to blame for the Nets not having a Christmas Day game
Kevin Durant may have shown a bit of humility by taking responsibility of the Brooklyn Nets not being able to have a game on Sunday. He's still not the only one to be blamed for it. There are other aspects of their organization and situation that have caused the NBA to not give them a schedule on the holiday.
Irving's problematic tendencies could also be one of the main reasons for it. Last season, the All-Star guard was in a different situation after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccination. His refusal to take the vaccine caused him to miss the majority of last season.
The last reason that could've caused the Nets to miss out on playing during Christmas was the issues with the coach. Before the season even began, there were already concerns that Steve Nash could lose his coaching gig. Durant issued an ultimatum for the franchise to cut ties with Nash and Sean Marks in August. That eventually became a reality as Nash was fired on Nov. 1.
The Nets fired Steve Nash, sources tell ESPN.
Also read: Kevin Durant called out by Skip Bayless for indifference at Michael Jordan and LeBron James comparisons: "Speaking like he has retirement thoughts"