Reporter Feng Zihan
Beijing time on April 26, in the first round of the NBA playoffs, the Nets lost to the Celtics again, and the total score was swept out 0:4. Data shows that the Nets became the first team in NBA history to shoot 50% from the field and 40% from three-point shooting in the playoffs, but were eliminated.
excitedly posted a photo of Tatum after the game and wrote: "Complete the sweep! Do you still want to play Boston??" However, in a strong contrast with the Celtics' pleasure, the Nets, which have Durant and Irving.
"Big Three" becomes a joke?
In this game, Durant finally returned to form. He played for 47 minutes, made 13 of 31 shots, 3 of 11 three-pointers, 10 of 11 free throws, scored 39 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 1 steal. But he lost a free throw at a critical moment, and was then scored by his opponent's tip-in to get a 4-point lead, basically killing the game. After the game of
, Celtics star Tatum hugged and greeted Durant, which made people sigh that "Durant who went down the mountain met Tatum who went up the mountain."
Irving is also unrelated to the failure of the Nets. According to statistics, Irving played 103 games in his career, but missed 123 games. From refusing vaccines to becoming a "part-time player" to fasting in Ramadan, it has more or less affected his contribution.
In addition, both Durant and Irving were swept out for the first time in their personal playoff careers. At the same time, this is also the first time Irving was eliminated in the first round in his playoff career.
Ben Simmons, who came to the team, did not make any contribution. The news that he announced that he would not play in G4 before the game was criticized by many fans, and even the official Nets publicly expressed shock and anger.
Nash has been repeatedly questioned
coach Nash has had many problems during the coaching process of the season. Aldridge returns, Irving refuses to get vaccinated, Harden leaves the team to join the 76ers, Joe Harris is reimbursed for the season... And the rumors outside the court also make Nash unable to focus at all times. "Things on and off the field have an impact on us, and too many things have affected our continuity." Nash admitted.
Irving also said: "We have encountered too many things in our locker room. We may not be a balanced team. That has affected us and affected our trust in each other when facing adversity. We need more tests."
In fact, encountering a sweep seems to be the "tradition" of the Nets. Data shows that the team's history has fallen 0:3 4 times, all of which were swept out, and never extended the series by one game.
However, Nash's coaching position is still very stable at the moment. After being swept by the Celtics, he made it clear in an interview that he hoped to stay in the team next season and hoped to continue to lead the Nets in the playoffs as the head coach.
Durant also supports Nash, "Of course. As a guy who is the head coach for the first time, Nash has encountered many crazy things in the past two years, including epidemics, transactions, injuries, etc., many things. He has put all his passion on us. I appreciate and proud of the way he has overcome all kinds of difficulties. I still believe that he is the right candidate to lead this team." Durant said. How does the Nets respond?
In the post-match interview, Durant bluntly stated that the next offseason is very, very important for the Nets. In his words, Durant has begun to put pressure on the management to strengthen it. At least in terms of the front line and defense issues, the Nets need to solve the problem.
At present, Durant should continue to stay at the Nets; Irving has a player option next season, and whether he can stay in the team depends on Irving's own choice; Simmons' contract has three years left, and according to the current situation, there will definitely be no second team willing to take over; Seth Curry's contract has one year left, which is the player that the Nets need to stay. Mills will be a player option next season, and whether to stay depends on his own choice.
For the Nets, 3D players on the wing and the inside players protecting the basket are the most needed to solve. For Durant, he also needs helpers who can share the pressure for him.
Durant will be 34 years old starting next season. At that time, can he still lead the Nets to set sail again?
