TV persona Skip Bayless has as soon as once more taken a dig at Kevin Durant following the Brooklyn Nets’ defeat to the Boston Celtics within the 2022 NBA playoffs.
The Nets had been swept of their first-round bout by the Celtics, who had been distinctive on each ends of the ground. Their recreation plan was easy: decelerate Durant. Reaching that routinely put them in a greater place to win as they turned more practical on the offensive finish.
It was the primary time the NBA neighborhood had witnessed Durant getting shut down in that method, and it was troublesome to observe. His incapacity to get sizzling offensively, because of the dogged Boston protection, was one of many causes Brooklyn misplaced that tie.
Talking in regards to the loss, Bayless concluded that Durant is gentle and couldn’t set up himself as an alpha participant like a number of the greats in basketball historical past. He stated (From 20:10):
“As you realize, the Celtics roughed up Kevin Durant and he crumbled and he folded. He was overwhelmed, in the end overmatched. Mr. Burner accounts simply bought burnt.”
“His skinny pores and skin gave away, and it confirmed little or no coronary heart and little to no guts when push got here to shove actually in opposition to that onslaught. The Celtics uncovered Kevin Durant, dare I say gentle, as intimidatable, as Kevin Ducan’t.”
After analyzing Durant’s assertion about wanting to enhance somewhat than give attention to wins, he continued:
“Sport 4 was truly an indictment of Video games 1, 2, and three when he was simply fully overwhelmed by the onslaught. No nice participant, no alpha participant can be overwhelmed. The (Michael) Jordans, the (Larry) Birds, the Magics (Johnson). Simply give me the rattling ball and get out of the best way, I do not care if two come after me. Two come after each nice participant, nearly each possession. You simply beat the double-team.”
It was a troublesome loss for the Brooklyn Nets, leading to one other early exit for the second consecutive season.
Coming into the season, the Nets had been the favorites to win the championship. Nevertheless, the primary signal of hassle in paradise was Kyrie Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated for COVID-19 adopted by James Harden’s departure.
Kevin Durant has ample time to attempt to win a championship for the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are in quest of their first NBA title and signed Kevin Durant in 2019 to assist obtain that.
Up to now, the Slim Reaper has led the workforce to 2 playoff options. Nevertheless, they’ve did not make it out of the convention semifinals.
Kevin Durant has misplaced 6 playoff video games in a row. https://t.co/z0cDyZa3zn
Within the 2021 offseason, Durant signed a four-year, $194-million contract extension that can see him play for the Nets till the 2026 season. Though issues will get tougher as he will get older, it’s sufficient time for him to guide the workforce to at the least one title run.
Up to now, one may argue that the Brooklyn Nets haven’t finished an awesome job in setting up their roster round Durant. Whereas they’ve strived to herald gamers who’re threats offensively, they’ve left themselves susceptible on protection.
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The 2022 offseason is one other alternative for the franchise to make important modifications. A few of the issues to look out for are Kyrie Irving’s contract scenario and whether or not Steve Nash will stay their coach heading into the brand new season.
