If the Top 6 and the “play-in” entrants are known in the East, positions could still move in the standings and the Nets just grabbed the opportunity to double down on the Cavaliers tonight.
In the wake of a great Kevin Durant (36 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists), the New York franchise thus (118-107) dominated Darius Garland’s teammates (31 points), taking 7th place from his evening opponent .
With only one game left for both teams, Brooklyn has managed to create the perfect operation for its crowd, while Cleveland will need a little whipping to avoid completely ruining its great season. †
WHAT TO REMEMBER
† Brooklyn passes Cleveland† The calculations are now very simple for the Nets: if they win their next two home games, they will advance to the playoffs. First to secure the 7th place in the East, which they just recovered from the Cavaliers, to then finally validate it during the “play-in”, against 8th in the same conference. And it could just be Cleveland, if the Ohio franchise wins on Sunday, in its last game of the regular season. The tension remains intact in this race for the Top 8, because Atlanta and Charlotte are not far away.
† The Return of Evan Mobley† The Cavaliers rookie was absent for ten days and returned to competition last night. Recovered from his sore ankle, he finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 34 minutes. A comforting recovery that is good for Cleveland’s morale as the play-in and possibly the playoffs approach. Especially as questions remain about the health of Jarrett Allen, who is not yet authorized to play again…
TOPS/FLOPS
Kevin Durant† Author of a perfect start and a finish equally canon, “KD” took responsibility. While Kyrie Irving struggled to weigh up against the defense of these Cavaliers he knows well, the Nets winger meanwhile (as often) made his defenders a nightmare. Effective at shooting (11/20) as well as aggressive towards the circle (10/10 in throws), KD delivered a solid game as a result and we’re already looking forward to seeing him at work during the ” play-in”, if this during the play-offs. Why not take on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks from the first round?
Bruce Brown† The Nets’ designated Swiss Army Knife has honored its status. As the author of 18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 blocks, he contributed effectively on each side of the floor for his team. Pushing himself as Kevin Durant’s most trusted lieutenant, opposite Kyrie Irving. He makes very few mistakes and confirms that he hasn’t stolen his place in the starting five from Steve Nash, who has a brave soldier there for the most important matches to come.
Darius Garland† As since the end of All-Star Weekend, the Cavaliers leader carried his team’s attack alone or nearly. “Almost” because the Nets managed to cut him off from his teammates and he couldn’t create delays and split the game as usual. But in scoring, between penetrations and award-winning baskets, Darius Garland did everything possible to prevent Cleveland from sinking further in the standings and being threatened by the Hawks and Hornets. Unfortunately, on arrival, his efforts were in vain.
Consistency of both teams† Each team had its dominant moments tonight: in the first and fourth quarters for the Nets; in the second and third quarters for the Cavaliers. The perfect definition of the series match, even the boxing fight, between these two franchises that have struggled to find the momentum of the meeting in time. And in this little game, it was Brooklyn who did the best, to get the . to win tiebreaker against Cleveland, valuable in the event of a tie in the standings like now.
THE FOLLOWING
Brooklyn (43-38) : Indiana reception, Sunday evening, at the conclusion of this regular season (9:30 PM)
Cleveland (43-38) : Milwaukee reception, Sunday night, closing this regular season (9:30 PM)
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