MIAMI — Kevin Durant admitted the Nets have been in “deep s–t” even earlier than Saturday. However after a 115-111 loss in Miami — a league-worst eleventh straight — the pile is getting deeper by the day.
Atop the East on Jan. 22, the Nets have fallen all the best way to eighth place. They’re 2 ½ video games behind No. 6 Toronto and No. 7 Boston.
And for the following 4 the Nets might be with out Kyrie Irving, who had 20 of his 29 factors within the fourth quarter as they minimize a 21-point gap to 1. Cam Thomas added 22, however when Kyle Lowry stole a go between the 2 of them, it was the ultimate nail.
“Ethical victories are cool. You are available right here — and kumbaya and stuff like that — however actually it’s a sport that goes to the one who has the strongest will and the workforce that’s most disciplined,” mentioned Irving, after the Nets’ will had been discovered wanting.
After taking a 34-31 lead on a Bruce Brown reverse, they coughed up a 9-0 spurt. Max Strus’ 3 capped it for a 40-34 Miami edge.
And nonetheless manageable at 69-61 within the third, the Nets conceded a 20-7 run.
It took an enormous effort from Irving to claw Brooklyn again. Thomas’ 3 pulled them inside 110-109 with 37.7 seconds to play, however Jimmy Butler answered with a layup.
After Irving sank two on the line, Butler made simply one-of-two to go away the Nets one final probability. Till Lowry stole it.
“This one harm for actual. We’re on an 11-game shedding streak,” mentioned Day’Ron Sharpe (10 factors, 12 boards). “We thought this was going to be the one we have been going to drag it out. This subsequent one we’re coming in with the mindset we’re successful it doesn't matter what.”
The Nets gained’t have Irving for that subsequent one vs. Boston, or in any respect till Feb. 26 in Milwaukee due to his unvaccinated standing. When requested if he felt responsible for not being obtainable, he bristled.
“There’s no guilt that I really feel. I’m the one participant who has to take care of this in New York Metropolis as a result of I play there,” Irving mentioned. “However as a result of I’m there we have now Eric Adams, we have now the New York mandate, we have now issues happening which might be real-life circumstances that aren't simply affecting me, bro.
“I don’t really feel guilt. I’m simply residing my life as finest I can, similar to everyone else. … I didn’t have a plan in place when all of this was happening, didn’t know. The NBA and the NBPA made it very clear that there could be issues that I’d be capable to do to work round this, and that’s off the desk.
“I nonetheless want I could possibly be on the market at house. Some individuals say it’s so simple as go get this, go get the shot. It’s not so simple as that. … I’m nonetheless praying for a greater consequence.”
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