Kevin Durant returned to action, but the Brooklyn Nets lost again, this time to East leaders Miami Heat.
The Heat came back from a 16-point first-half deficit and went on to earn the 113-107 win. Despite playing without three key players (PJ Tucker, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry), Miami stood tall and returned to the winning track.
With Bam Adebayo leading the way (30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists), the Heat relied on their defense to turn things around. They conceded 40 points in the second half and outscored Brooklyn 53-40 to clinch the win.
On the other hand, Kevin Durant returned after missing 21 games and led all scorers with 31 points. The Nets were 5-16 without the All-Star forward, who last played on January 15.
During his absence, Brooklyn dropped from second in the East to eighth. The franchise has now lost three straight and holds a 32-32 record. For its part, Miami remains on top of the East, at 42-22.
The Heat claimed their third straight win over the Nets and swept the season series (3-0). They will now go on to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The Sixers signed DeAndre Jordan on Thursday and are on a four-game winning streak (38-23).
On the contrary, Brooklyn has several issues to deal with. Kyrie Irving is still ineligible for games at Barclays Center, but this could change soon. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons will need a few more days for his debut with the team.
In addition, the Nets announced forward Joe Harris will have a season-ending ankle surgery soon. On Sunday, Brooklyn will travel to Boston to face fifth-seeded Boston Celtics (38-27).
Bam was straight up making life miserable for everyone in a blue jersey tonight pic.twitter.com/VqlZlGBH9j — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 4, 2022
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