After last night’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant spoke about how he respects the Lakers’ win. During post-game interviews, Durant was quoted saying,
They just play with more urgency to start the game, and they hit us in the mouth early. And then we was fighting uphill all game. And then they got hot. You come in the game. Guys who haven’t played as much get more opportunities and playing free. And they came out and hit us in the mouth, so they’re the champs. You got to respect it.
Nets Forward Kevin Durant
Wake-Up Call for The Nets
Many have already crowned the Brooklyn Nets NBA Champions due to the number of stars on their team. However, with this type of praise for a different team coming from their biggest star, the focus may shift off the Nets and on to other contenders. This may allow the Nets to focus on themselves and build team chemistry as their stars have been in and out of the line-up.
Although the Nets have continued to win their games, this game evidently showed their faults. Lakers’ big men easily scored in the paint, and Dennis Schroder picked their defense apart. These are all issues that the Nets must address. Further, although Durant respects the Lakers’ win, the Nets now have motivation for the rest of the season.
This game can serve as a wake up call as to what the Nets must do to get better before the playoffs arrive.
Confidence Builder
With both Lebron James and Anthony Davis out for at least the next few weeks, this win could really help the struggling Lakers team. Durant’s respect for the Lakers’ win and reassurance that they caught the Nets off guard by how good they played can boost every Lakers’ players’ confidence and morale.
As the Lakers continue to fall down the standings, these next few weeks will be crucial. By beating one of the best teams in the NBA without five rotational players, they may finally feel as if they are a team that, regardless of injuries, is unbeatable.
