Kyrie Irving asserts Brooklyn Nets should’ve done a better job of supporting Kevin Durant in streak ending loss to Chicago Bulls
Kyrie Irving believes the Brooklyn Nets' supporting cast should've complimented Kevin Durant during the team's 121-112 loss against the Chicago Bulls. He also included himself in that statement. Durant produced 44 points on 15-of-22 field shooting, including 5-of-10 from the arc. However, aside from Seth Curry (22 points on 8-of-11 shooting), other players couldn't get going.
Irving bagged 25 points but shot only 41.7%. He also went cold from long range, connecting on just one of his eight 3-point attempts. Here's what Irving said about Durant after the game (via YES Network):
"Even with K [Durant] being as special, he can only do but so much on his own. We've been talking about... Just helping him out, but tonight was just one of those nights where we just didn't make enough shots on the perimeter."
Kyrie Irving caught fire in the second half, finishing with 25 points. It was Irving's 18th game with at least 25 points this season. #NETSonYES https://t.co/mwgwM3T2Cr
The Brooklyn Nets trailed by 18 points towards the end of the first half. It was always going to be an uphill task for the team to bounce back, especially with Durant single-handedly leading their charge.
He was still able to help Brooklyn cut down the Bulls' lead to three points, but the Nets kept running out of gas after every run. Their ability to perform as a team was crucial to their success during their 12-game winning run, entering the contest against the Bulls. Brooklyn will hope their role players can overcome their poor outing in their next game.
Chicago Bulls' plan to let Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving get their shots worked, but not sustainable against Brooklyn Nets
The Chicago Bulls were happy with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving getting the looks they wanted. Instead, they decided to limit their role players from making a difference. It worked, and the Bulls recorded a surprise win in this game.
Teams can try and replicate this strategy against the in-form Nets. However, it doesn't seem sustainable. Brooklyn's depth has been vital to their success over the last two months. They have some of the best shooters in the league, which allows their offense to be so free-flowing.
Aside from Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets have six players attempting over two 3-pointers per game. Five players are shooting over 40%. The only player with two or more attempts under 40% is Joe Harris, who is making 37.8% of his 3-point shots on 4.8 attempts, which is well above the league average.
Every team can have off-shooting nights, and the Nets, despite their scorching hot form, weren't an exception against the Bulls.