Much has been said and probably much more will be said about the Brooklyn Nets and its “Big 3,” but tonight (Tuesday through Wednesday) all the talk was put to the first real test. Test in a final atmosphere. For moments, it seemed like Kwai Leonard and Paul George were big on the shaky defense of Nash & Co. – but in the final minutes, everyone saw the vision of the “Big 3”: Kyrie stitched a big three-pointer 4:37 to go, James Harden Joined him with a three in the ensuing attack and Kevin Durant cleared and opened a six-point gap from which the Clippers were unable to come back.
The “Big 3” alone, were responsible for 90 of the Nets’ 120 points – and did so impressively. James Harden recorded a fourth triple-double this season, with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists; Kyrie Irving set a season-high 39 points; And Kevin Durant was effective with 28 points on 85 percent from the field (11 of 13) alongside nine rebounds. In fact, the three stars scored all the points in the Nets’ 0:13 run in the final quarter that decided the match.
The Brooklyn Nets are 9-3 against .500+ teams this season, which is the best record in the league.
The big 3 went off tonight!
Kyrie Irving with 39 pts, 5 reb & 6 threes.
James Harden with 23 pts, 14 ast & 11 reb.
Kevin Durant with 28 pts, 9 reb & 84% FG. pic.twitter.com/IRI6EvO7xX– Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) February 3, 2021
“Brooklyn reminded everyone of its potential,” they analyzed at Athletic. “She showed the world why star power is valued in the NBA, it’s the bet Sean Marks made when he brought in Harden for a plethora of young players and draft picks. The Nets have shown why they have the potential to win the championship.”
What is perhaps most evident, is the defensive change of the Hunts. Nash’s players, who averaged 148 points in the two games that preceded the battle with the Clippers, did receive a considerable amount of points (120) this time as well – but showed that the “Big 3” are able to stop players at the Kwai level as well. Durant kept the star for most of the game, Harden was his “Robin” and Kyrie – who only a few days ago said “he can’t keep a stick” – chased after George. And yet, the Nets have a lot of work to do in defense. They are still ranked 25th in the defensive rankings, and still allow 113 points on average per game.
“We have the luxury of attacking, but we have to save,” Nash said after the confrontation. “The Clippers are a tough team to defend. We did a good job.” Harden added of his coach: “We need to get out there and not embarrass ourselves. That’s how we played at both ends of the field. I don’t think as a team we have that mindset in every game yet, but once we get to that you will see a different Brooklyn.”
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