"I think it would be perilous to say Kevin Durant's apex is behind him" - Steve Nash asserts that a sweep by the Celtics won't have any effect on KD's legacy
In an interview before Game 4, Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash was asked about Kevin Durant's performance in this series. Nash voiced his opinion that three off games don't define a player's legacy. He said:
"Look, if Kevin doesn't score a bucket tonight, I think it would be perilous to say Kevin Durant's apex is behind him. He's been unbelievable this year, unbelievable."
Nash believes this has simply been a cold stretch for Durant and, considering the small sample size, he has a point. Nash stated:
"He's just going through a period, he's struggling a little, they're posing an elite challenge to our team and he's had a heavy burden so Kevin Durant is still unbelievable, has been unbelievable for us and this week won't change that in my eyes."
Would the Nets getting swept tonight be an indictment on Kevin Durant?
"I don't see any drop off for Kevin just because he's had 3 games that don't look like his best games. He's just going through a period where he's struggling a little bit, and he's had a heavy burden." https://t.co/Vm87B0qTkA
The Boston Celtics have a commanding 3-0 series lead and their top-ranked defense has suffocated Kyrie Irving and Durant. Things don't look bright for the Nets.
Durant hasn't performed his best in this series. In Games 1 and 2, he shot 31% from the field and 28% from three-point range, while turning the ball over six times in each.
He attempted 20 free throws in Game 2 en route to 27 points and shot 0-10 in the second half. In Game 3 at home, he was visibly passive, scoring 16 points while attempting just 11 shots.
However, Steve Nash believes that Kevin Durant's struggles are merely a blip in an otherwise exceptional career. Nash said:
"He's carrying a huge burden for us, particularly coming off a seven-week absence. Think about that, that's not easy. Coming back from a knee situation, you miss seven weeks, you fought to come back. He comes back and then he has to play 40+ minutes a night."
Durant has certainly been tasked with a lot. Even at the age of 33 and coming off a torn Achilles in 2020, he has often played upwards of 40 minutes a game. Kyrie Irving was a part-time player practically all season long and James Harden departed at the trade deadline.
Seth Curry and Andre Drummond weren't enough to compensate for the loss of Harden and Ben Simmons hasn't played. Hence, Durant was tasked with leading this injury-plagued team.
NBA world reacts to Ben Simmons missing Game 4 while Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving struggle
Ben Simmons was expected to play in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, but has been ruled out. Many analysts and former players have commented on his lack of team spirit and decision to quit on his team in a do-or-die game.
Kevin Durant has been struggling, so Simmons' decision to not play was not well received. Simmons has often been called unreliable and someone who is not serious about basketball. He was not willing to play for the Philadelphia 76ers and still hasn't laced up for the Brooklyn Nets.
Reactions can be seen below.
.. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there.. #ManUp
Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive 🔥.. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there.. #ManUp https://t.co/Y5smcnQkqZ
Head Coach Steve Nash on Ben Simmons: “I wasn’t really expecting him to play.”
(via @VinceGoodwill) https://t.co/rWqTMzhIxm
.@ShannonSharpe on if KD's reputation is taking a hit in series vs the Celtics:
"This is bad. If he were to get swept with a team that he put together, this will put a ding on his resume. He's playing and looking real bad." https://t.co/putk5Bxwcb
Chuck & @SHAQ weigh in on Ben Simmons being out for Game 4. https://t.co/sGCWdt1sDN
Charles Barkley is demolishing Ben Simmons for not playing. And we got some Scottie praise in it.
“That boy that won Rookie of the Year, he was out there on one leg (in game 4)… he’s like, I gotta try and help my team win… I was so impressed with Scottie Barnes”
Shaq agreed
Ben Simmons out for game 4. Man, heartbreaking to lose a reliable teammate in crisis.
Ben Simmons when Steve Nash asked if he could play in Game 4 https://t.co/cbTCOHsc8c
Enough is Enough with Ben Simmons! https://t.co/y3WAlVVk3x