Nick Wright asserts Nets without Kyrie Irving is a better defensive team led by Kevin Durant: “The Nets better without Kyrie Irving”
Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets took care of business against the New York Knicks despite not having their All-Star point guard, Kyrie Irving. NBA analyst Nick Wright said that Brooklyn is better without Irving on the floor, especially on defense.
The Nets' 112-85 win against the Knicks marks only their fifth win of the season, but Brooklyn is 3-1 with Irving serving his suspension after starting 2-6 with him. Despite the events that have happened surrounding the squad, the Nets have managed to maintain their focus and play well. Durant shone on Wednesday, posting a 29-point triple-double.
"He's better and the Nets are better without Kyrie Irving, 'cause without Kyrie Irving, they're a functional basketball team that plays defense," Wright said. "The spirit was great. KD is trash-talking Julius Randle, going back and forth lighthearted. Seth Curry was like, 'Green light, baby!' and he went out nailing stepback shots."
"Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets are better without Kyrie Irving bc without Kyrie the Nets are a functional basketball team that plays defense. ... We've seen Point LeBron, Point Zion — Point Durant was fun." — @getnickwright https://t.co/BPSp7HWJ6X
The entire team was in sync during the entire game. Aside from the impressive leadership of KD, others have stepped up their games. Seth Curry came off the bench for 23 points in 23 minutes. Curry also had a great night shooting from the perimeter, going 6-for-11 from downtown.
Ben Simmons also came off the bench for the second straight game but only had six points in 24 minutes.
If the Nets continue this kind of performance, the front office could consider trading Irving. The seven-time All-Star is currently serving a suspension issued by the organization.
Also read: Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving's suspension from Brooklyn Nets: “I just didn’t like anything, I felt like it was all unnecessary”
Playing Kevin Durant at point guard has opened up the floor for the Nets
So far this season, Kevin Durant has been doing the bulk of the scoring for the Nets. But during Wednesday night's game, the new head coach Jacque Vaughn tried out a different tactic. Against the Knicks, Vaughn gave the ball to Durant and allowed him to facilitate the offense.
It turned out to be a great idea as Brooklyn dominated the game. Everyone was involved in the offense. The floor spacing was better, with Durant being the floor general instead of Simmons. Durant as a point-forward can be a great tactic in some games, especially for teams that focus heavily on their defense.
Not only that, but the Nets have created mismatches in their offense. Durant was also active on the glass, grabbing 12 rebounds. The Nets are below .500 right now, and they need to start winning more games. Based on how they've recently played, they could be on the right track to move up the standings.
Also read: NBA rumors: NBA insider speculates over Kevin Durant's future with Nets, says GMs across NBA are waiting for the right opportunity to acquire 2X Finals MVP