Despite Kevin Durant averaging more than 30 points this season, that hasn't translated into a ton of wins for the Brooklyn Nets early on. NBA legend Isiah Thomas pointed out that the All-Star forward isn't the usual dominant player this year.
Kevin Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA today. With his height, length and talent, he can score from anywhere and on anyone on the floor. He's been averaging more than 30 points this season. But even with his elite scoring ability, the Nets have continued to struggle, and the team has lost three games so far.
Former Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas pointed out how Durant's past scoring escapades ensured a win every time he dropped a 30-point game. Now, even when he scores more than 30 points in a game, his team still has a hard time winning.
"The thing that I'm noticing right away with Durant is that, he used to get 30 and that meant he dominated the game. Now his 30 is just 30," Thomas said.
"Normally, when he got 30 it was like, the game is over and his team won. Now it's a 30 where you're still asking, 'What happened?'"
"The dominance in terms of, 'I get 30 we win.' It's not there anymore."
The 12-time All-Star can still put up his usual numbers, but he needs consistent players that are capable of contributing big time. But no one is sure if the roster the Nets' front office has built around him is enough.
What else can Kevin Durant do to lead the Nets?
Along with the LA Lakers, Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets are being closely watched by everyone this season. Over the summer, they made headlines when Durant tried to force his way out of Brooklyn. Ultimately, he rescinded his trade request.
Through the Nets' first four games, they've only won one game. Interestingly, all three games that they've lost have had a deficit of 10 or more points. Clearly, something isn't working right for the team. They seem to be forcing Ben Simmons into Steve Nash's system, and he's been passive on the offensive end.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have been doing their best to carry the entire team. Now it's up to Ben Simmons to be aggressive offensively.
Kevin Durant and the Nets lose another one
The Nets' matchup against the Dallas Mavericks proved to be a challenge. Despite both Irving and Durant putting up 30+ points each, it wasn’t enough as Luka Doncic had a 40-point triple-double. The game ended in overtime with a score of 129-125.
Simmons played well but was still passive on the offensive side of the floor. Defensively, Simmons was crucial and got a steal late in the fourth quarter that led to the game going into overtime. During overtime, the Nets weren't able to keep up with the Mavs defensively and missed open shots from downtown. This loss makes the Nets 1-4 this season.
The Nets will play against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.
