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Kevin Durant’s return on Wednesday went in addition to may very well be anticipated. Coming off the bench and getting into the sport halfway via the second quarter earlier than beginning the second half, Durant was excellent from the sphere, taking pictures 5-of-5 and making each his 3-point makes an attempt whereas scoring 17 factors.
Durant added seven rebounds and 5 assists, the Nets have been plus-22 in his 19 minutes on the ground, they usually rolled on to a 139-11 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans.
“He feels good and he’s in good spirits,” mentioned Nets head coach Steve Nash of the follow-up. “He performed properly and had no ailing results from his first recreation again. So good end result throughout.”
Recreation two of Durant’s return will see the Nets internet hosting a shorthanded Lakers staff on Saturday evening at Barclays Middle. Whereas the Nets have gotten Durant again, they’ll be with out James Harden, and certain for just a few extra video games.
For the 36-16 Nets, there are 20 video games remaining on this shortened NBA season.
“It’s about as straightforward because it will get incorporating Kevin, however on the identical time, you wish to have sufficient time to jell and to essentially discover that understanding,” mentioned Nash. “It’s been two months, so it’s nice that he’s again. The No. 1 precedence is to maintain him as wholesome and as protected as doable, which clearly isn’t utterly in our management, however we will attempt to be as useful as doable. And second is slowly ramping up his minutes within the recreation so he can get again to his regular output but in addition in order that he can really feel snug together with his teammates, a few of which he hasn’t actually performed with.”
ALIZE JOHNSON ON THE CLOCK
Ahead Alize Johnson’s second 10-day contract will expire after the Nets play the Lakers on Saturday evening. He can’t signal one other 10-day, however preserving him on the roster with a contract for the rest of the season is an possibility.
“Alize’s been nice,” mentioned Steve Nash. “I can’t make a willpower on that proper now, however we’ve been actually happy with him and happy with him and what he’s delivered to the staff. We’ll see tomorrow on the finish of his 10-day when it’s time to decide what occurs and we’ll let you recognize then.”
After an enormous debut with 23 factors and 15 rebounds in opposition to Utah, Johnson performed little over the subsequent 5 video games, however he’s made a robust impression over the past two.
Johnson had 12 factors and 7 rebounds in opposition to the Knicks on Monday and was a part of the rotation once more in Wednesday’s rout of New Orleans.
“By no means do sufficient,” mentioned Johnson about whether or not he felt he’s earned a roster spot for the remainder of the season. “There’s all the time extra work on the market to be accomplished. So I might I might by no means say that. However I am on the market each time and I am on the market combating prefer it’s gonna be my final recreation.”
SHAMET STATUS
Steve Nash mentioned Landry Shamet was “seemingly” to return on Saturday, and the guard was absent from the standing report issued by the staff. Shamet had missed 5 video games with a sprained ankle, returned in opposition to Charlotte on April 1, however then left final Sunday’s recreation in opposition to Chicago and missed the final two.
“Enjoying basketball and typically you simply cannot get out of the way in which of some dangerous luck,” mentioned Shamet. “So, stepped on anyone’s foot once more. You realize, it occurs. I’ve accomplished lots of work not solely within the final couple weeks however within the final couple years actually and strengthening, engaged on the integrity of my ankles. I do know I’ve sturdy ankles, however on the finish of the day typically it’s basketball and typically performs occur. You are going to land on folks’s toes so, that is actually all it was. I really feel assured. I really feel actually good. I am excited to return.”
Shamet is taking pictures 38.9 % from 3-point vary and averaging 8.2 factors — 42.9 % and 10.2 factors over his final 25 video games since Jan. 29.
HARDEN STATUS
James Harden has missed three of Brooklyn’s final 4 video games and performed 4 minutes within the different. He’s out once more on Saturday on account of a proper hamstring pressure, and the staff introduced on Tuesday he can be re-evaluated in roughly 10 days.
“He’s figuring out proper now and getting therapy and he’s within the constructing on daily basis with us,” mentioned Steve Nash, “so he’s working his method again and clearly he’s acquired slightly stretch forward of him right here, however he’s doing all the suitable issues.”
ABOUT THE LAKERS
The Lakers are 32-20 and in fifth place within the Western Confernce. They’re 10-13 since Feb. 16. Anthony Davis final performed on Feb. 14, lacking the final 24 video games, whereas LeBron James has been out for the final 10 video games. The Lakers are twentieth within the NBA in offensive score for the season (110.0) and twenty ninth over their final 10 video games (101.3). They proceed to steer the NBA in defensive score (105.9) and that quantity has dropped to 104.2 over the past 10 video games. James and Davis have been averaging 47.9 factors between them. With out them, the Lakers’ prime scorer is guard Dennis Schroder (15.1) adopted by ahead Montrezl Harrell (14.7). Harrell is fourth within the league with a 63.0 subject aim share.
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