Kevin Durant played as if he did not undergo a lengthy recovery due to injury as he helped power the Brooklyn Nets to a 119-114 win over the Washington Wizards in a NBA preseason Sunday.
What was impressive in his debut for the Nets was that Durant was on target in 24 minutes of action, scoring in bunches to finish with 15 points.
Durant said he felt great to be back on the floor and back to his routine.
”It felt great. Everybody’s texting and calling and asking me how I’m feeling,” said Durant.
Instead of his familiar jersey No. 35 which he wore during his years with the Oklahoma City and Golden State, Durant donned No. 7 this time.
And to show he was already fit, his first basket was driving two-handed dunk.
Durant and Kyrie Irving played the first nine minutes and 27 seconds of the game together with Durant going 3-for-3.
Irving was equally sharp, tallying 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting to help the Nets take a 30-18 lead.
The highlight of their partnership was when Durant made a tough reverse layup – thanks to a long pass from Irving.
Irving went on to finish with 18 points in just over 17 minutes.
He was also coming off a long layoff due to a shoulder injury that limited him to just 20 games last season.
Though playing minus LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the LA Lakers still came out 131-106 winners over the LA Clippers.
Other winners were the Atlanta Hawks, who beat the Orlando Magic, 116-107, Detroit Pistons, who tripped the New York Knicks, 99-91, and the Sacramento Kings who whipped the Portland Trail Blazers, 121-106. (From the wires)
