Five weeks ago, Kevin Durant disrespected his Nets teammates. They’ve barely lost since.
In a candid interview with Chris Haynes in November, Durant discussed a variety of topics – his summer trade request, leadership, his legacy – but he also criticized the Nets’ injury-riddled roster.
Durant said “It’s not disrespect,” but let’s just say “What are you expecting from that group?” doesn’t come off as highly respectful of his teammates.
The Nets took it as motivation. And a former Brooklyn Net, Kevin Garnett, saw it coming.
Since then, the Nets have been great, winning 14 of their next 17 games, including the last seven straight. And many of the players Durant singled out have also been great.
Joe Harris has shot 40 percent on three-pointers since Durant’s comments. Claxton is blocking 2.8 shots per game. O’Neale had a triple-double the very next day and is also shooting 40 percent from deep.
In fact, the Sumner-Harris-O’Neale-Durant-Claxton lineup has outscored opponents by 7.1 points per 100 possessions. With Kyrie Irving in for Sumner, the Nets dominate by 12.9 points per 100.
Irving is back from suspension, while Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and T.J. Warren are back from injury, and a Nets team that struggled to put together a starting lineup now looks like one of the deepest teams in the league. They’re a legitimate title contender, and a lot of credit has to go to the tough love of Durant.
