Kevin Durant 'Better Than He's Ever Been' as Nets Star Drops 45 in Win over Magic
Nov 29, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 28: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets keeps the ball from Kevon Harris #7 of the Orlando Magic in the first half at Barclays Center on November 28, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
After overcoming some early-season tumult, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is playing at a level that is reminiscent of his 2014 MVP campaign.
The 12-time All-Star dropped 45 points to help lead the Nets to a 109-102 win over the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on Monday night. Durant shot an efficient 19-of-24 from the field and added seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nets had gotten off to a 1-5 start and eventually parted ways with head coach Steve Nash. Now that the team has found some stability under new head coach Jacque Vaughn, Durant is playing with a freedom and joy that hasn't been seen from him in recent years. He toyed with Magic defenders and dictated the offensive flow for Brooklyn.
NBA Twitter lit up with excitement over Durant's vintage performance on Monday:
Kevin Durant is the 14th-oldest player to score 45.
39: Michael Jordan, Jamal Crawford 38: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 37: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James 36: Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone 35: Larry Bird, Alex English 34: Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, Bernard King, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Durant
Durant entered Monday ranked seventh in the league with 29.3 points per game. He has now dropped over 30 points in each of his last three games, showing he's still capable of scoring explosions at any time.
The Nets (11-11) will continue to ride Durant's shoulders when they host the Washington Wizards (11-10) on Wednesday.
Knicks' Tom Thibodeau Not Concerned About Obi Toppin Slump: Very Confident in Him
Nov 25, 2022
New York Knicks' Obi Toppin plays during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin has the support of his head coach amid his struggles during the team's recent Western Conference road trip.
Tom Thibodeau told reporters he's "very confident" in Toppin's ability to turn things around.
"I trust his process," Thibodeau said. "He’s very diligent. I think he has a strategy for everything. He’s put a lot of time into his shooting. Players go through things like that, but he can help us in a lot of different ways. Just the way he moves the ball, the way he runs the floor, gets some rebounds. But I’m very confident in his ability."
The third-year forward looked like he took a significant step forward to start this season. He was averaging 10.0 points on 49.1 percent shooting (42.4 percent from three-point range) and 4.1 rebounds per game through his first 14 games.
Things took a turn for Toppin starting on Nov. 16 against the Denver Nuggets. The Dayton alum has scored a total of 13 points on 5-of-28 shooting (2-of-15 from behind the arc) in the past four games.
The Knicks have gone 2-2 in those games, with wins over the Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Toppin saw his usage increase across the board in 2021-22. He averaged 9.0 points on 53.1 percent shooting and 3.7 rebounds per game. His usage rate has dipped slightly to 20.0 percent this season after it was up at 20.8 percent last season.
New York's front office made aggressive moves during the offseason to make the roster better for the 2022-23 campaign. Jalen Brunson has been solid, averaging 20.8 points and 6.7 assists per game.
The Knicks are currently 9-9 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Toppin's development will be critical for this team to be a playoff contender because of what he offers as a 6'9" shooter off the bench.
Based on how well Toppin played for the first 14 games of the season, Thibodeau's confidence in his 24-year-old power forward should be rewarded when he gets back in rhythm.
Report: NBPA Will Not File Grievance with NBA Against the Nets About Kyrie Irving Ban
Nov 22, 2022
BROOKLYN, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 20, 2022 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Despite previously expressing unhappiness with the terms of Kyrie Irving's suspension for promoting an antisemitic film on social media, the National Basketball Players Association won't file a grievance against the NBA.
Tamika Tremaglio, executive director of the NBPA, told The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov the union decided not to file a grievance.
The Nets announced on Nov. 3 they were suspending Irving for at least five games for his promotion of the film and his subsequent refusals to say he has no antisemitic beliefs.
After the suspension was announced, Irving issued an apology on his Instagram page:
"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semticism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with. I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am."
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Nets laid out six items Irving had to complete before he would be reinstated:
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie - $500K donation to anti-hate causes - Sensitivity training - Antisemitic training - Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders - Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
Multiple players spoke out against the number of conditions Irving was being asked to complete.
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who is also an NBPA vice president, told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe that a lot of union members "didn’t agree with the terms" set up by the Nets.
LeBron James tweeted Irving " apologized and he should be able to play."
NBA reporter Marc Stein noted on Nov. 14 there had been rumblings the NBPA was considering a grievance filing on Irving's behalf "if the various parties involved can’t reach a resolution on a return timetable."
After meeting with Irving during his suspension, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told Sopan Deb of the New York Times he had a "direct and candid conversation" with Irving and had "no doubt" the Nets guard isn't antisemitic.
The Nets reinstated Irving before Sunday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies after he missed the previous eight games. He scored 14 points in 26 minutes in his first game since Nov. 1.
Joel Embiid's Performance Praised After Shorthanded 76ers' Loss to Timberwolves
Nov 20, 2022
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, left, drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Despite missing James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris because of injury, the Philadelphia 76ers nearly beat the Minnesota Timberwolves before falling at home, 112-109 on Saturday.
The 76ers were in this one because of center Joel Embiid, who continues his torrid pace. Last year's NBA MVP runner-up collected 32 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals. He notably went 18-of-20 from the free-throw line as well.
Minnesota led this game by as many as 20 points and held a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Embiid and Shake Milton (27 points on the night) combined to score the next 12 for Philly to cut the lead to 105-102. The last bucket in that run consisted of an impeccable Embiidd effort on both ends.
Embiid's performance was nothing short of exceptional on a night where he appeared to have suffered a significant injury involving teammate Georges Niang.
Embiid walked to the bench under his own power after getting taken out by Georges Niang on his way to the ground. Grabbed his left ankle, one that he was rubbing a bit earlier tonight as it was. Gotta simply get out of this game with no injuries at this point, but gutsy 2nd half.
But he stayed in the game to nearly will Philly to the win.
After the 12-0 run, the Timberwolves scored the next five before the 76ers rolled off a 7-0 run to slash the deficit to 110-109. However, Minnesota held on after the 76ers came up empty on their next two possessions.
Despite the loss, Embiid was the best player on the floor, which has been the case for a while now.
Philadelphia will return to the court Tuesday at home against the Brooklyn Nets.
NBA Twitter Says Klay Thompson Is 'Back' After Warriors' Win vs. RJ Barrett, Knicks
Nov 19, 2022
Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson continued to show signs
of a resurgence with 20 points to help lead the Golden State Warriors
to a 111-101 win over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Thompson knocked down eight of his 16
shots from the field, including four three-pointers, to go along with
three rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes.
"It seemed like every time Klay just
made an extra pass, the ball started to move and then we got a wide
open shot," Golden State head coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "We
ended up with 32 assists. It started with early on Klay taking a more
patient approach. And then the game rewarded him."
After a sluggish start to the campaign,
the five-time All-Star has slowly been rounding into form over the
past few weeks, which is a great sign for the Warriors as they
attempt to pick up steam. Their record stands at 7-9 after beating
the Knicks.
Let's check out some social-media
reaction to Thompson's performance:
Stephen Curry once again paced the
Warriors with 24 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and two steals as
he builds a strong early-season MVP candidacy. Draymond Green chipped
in 10 points, nine boards, seven dimes and two blocks.
So, for at least one night, it looked
like the reigning NBA champions were ready to start making some noise
once again.
"We played that Warriors brand of
basketball that has made us the best team of the past decade,"
Thompson said.
Julius Randle scored a team-high 20
points for the Knicks, who dropped to 8-8. RJ Barrett posted 18
points, five assists and four rebounds.
"We still got a chance to make it a
great trip," Randle said. "We got two more games, two more very
winnable games. We've got a chance to make it a great trip and go
back home feeling pretty good about ourselves."
Both teams are back in action Sunday.
New York continues its five-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns,
while Golden State travels to face the Houston Rockets.
76ers' Tyrese Maxey Won't Return vs. Bucks with Foot Injury; Will Undergo MRI
Nov 19, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey was ruled out of Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center with a left foot injury.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the X-rays on Maxey's foot were negative, and he is expected to undergo an MRI on Saturday. He notched 24 points, four rebounds and five assists in 21 minutes before exiting.
Maxey appeared to suffer the injury while driving to the basket and stepping on Jevon Carter's foot in the first half. He was fouled while driving to the hoop and shot his two free throws before limping off the court and to the locker room.
Maxey is in the midst of an impressive season. He entered Friday's game averaging 22.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 14 games, all starts, while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from deep.
The 2020 first-round pick has never missed a significant amount of time because of injury. He appeared in 61 games as a rookie during the 2020-21 season and played in 75 games (74 starts) during the 2021-22 campaign.
Losing Maxey would be a tough blow for the Sixers, who are already down two starters in James Harden (foot) and Tobias Harris (hip).
The Sixers entered Friday's game against Milwaukee ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 7-7 record and have thus far failed to meet expectations after entering the season projected to be one of the top teams in the NBA.
Knicks' Mitchell Robinson out vs. Warriors with Knee Injury
Nov 19, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 26: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 26, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will miss his eighth straight game with a right knee sprain when his team takes on the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco's Chase Center on Friday evening.
Robinson has been sidelined since Nov. 4, when he suffered the injury against the Philadelphia 76ers. As Fred Katz of The Athletic noted, Robinson has been listed as out on the team's injury reports since then.
However, there was at least a glimmer of hope for Friday when the Knicks listed Robinson as doubtful instead of out immediately.
The 24-year-old Robinson re-signed with the Knicks on a four-year, $60 million contract last offseason. In eight games (all starts), he has averaged 6.5 points on 69.7 percent shooting, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 21.8 minutes per contest.
The upgrade from out to doubtful could be a sign that Robinson's rehab is trending in the right direction, at least.
For now, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims will absorb the bulk of the minutes at center.
Hartenstein, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal with New York as a free agent last offseason, is posting 6.9 points on 53.6 percent shooting and 8.0 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game.
Sims, who is in his second year in the NBA (both with the Knicks), has averaged 3.8 points on 85.7 percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game.
76ers Rumors: Tobias Harris' Name Mentioned in Trade Talks During Calls with Teams
Nov 18, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 7: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 7, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
If the Philadelphia 76ers are going to make a major trade during the season, it will likely result in Tobias Harris being moved.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Harris' name has come up in early talks Sixers officials have had with other teams as they start looking ahead to Dec. 15, when free agents who signed contracts during the offseason can be traded.
Harris' name has frequently popped up in trade discussions, but his contract makes it difficult for the 76ers to find an appropriate deal.
Prior to the trade deadline last season, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Sixers were having discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder involving Harris.
It doesn't sound like those talks were all that serious, with one person close to the 76ers telling Pompey that Oklahoma City was one of the few teams with enough cap space to take on Harris' contract.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported during the offseason that Harris was on the trade market after the team signed James Harden to a contract extension.
"We are hearing a lot about Tobias Harris in the trade market, so even after Philly looks at addressing some holes in free agency that this new contract from Harden opens, it wouldn’t surprise me if they look to do more work on their roster to build more around Harden and Embiid," Windhorst said.
Harris is having a solid season as a role player. The 30-year-old is averaging 14.7 points with a 39.7 shooting percentage from three-point range and 6.2 rebounds in 14 starts.
The problem for any team interested in Harris is those numbers don't line up with the star-level salary he is being paid. He is making $37,633,050 this season and is owed $39,270,150 in 2023-24 before hitting free agency.
Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are the main core of this Sixers team. Everyone else on the roster could be made available depending on what Daryl Morey wants to do and where they stand as the trade deadline gets closer.
The 76ers are currently the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 7-7 record.
Report: Nets' Kyrie Irving Expected to Play vs. Grizzlies After 8-Game Suspension
Nov 17, 2022
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to reinstate suspended point guard Kyrie Irving in time for Sunday's home matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
On Nov. 3, the Nets announced that they suspended Irving for at least five games without pay because of numerous concerns that began with the seven-time All-Star promoting an antisemitic movie on social media.
In addition, Irving refused to respond to multiple queries from Nets governor Joe Tsai to speak about the situation, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne.
The Nets decided to levy a suspension and issued six mandatory steps Irving needed to take prior to his return, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium:
Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:
- Apologize/condemn movie - $500K donation to anti-hate causes - Sensitivity training - Antisemitic training - Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders - Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding
Following the Nets' announcement of the suspension, Irving apologized on Instagram for promoting the movie and for his initial response to the criticism he faced:
Tsai tweeted on Nov. 11 that he and his wife, Clara, had a productive meeting with Irving and came away from the sitdown believing Irving did not harbor any feelings of hate toward Jewish people.
The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and NBPA, are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education.
Irving also met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who said at the Sports Business Journal Dealmakers Conference in Washington (h/t Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press) that he did not believe the Nets star is antisemitic.
"I personally, based on what he said directly to me, have no doubt that he's not antisemitic,” Silver said. But I think there's a process that he’s going to now need to go through."
However, Silver also noted, "Whether or not he is antisemitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content."
On Nov. 16, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Irving was nearing completion of the process needed for him to return to the court, to the point where he could make his comeback Sunday against the Grizzlies.
National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio issued the following statement to ESPN:
"Kyrie is continuing his journey of dialogue and education. He has been grappling with the full weight of the impact of his voice and actions, particularly in the Jewish community. Kyrie rejects antisemitism in any form, and he's dedicated to bettering himself and increasing his level of understanding. He plans to continue this journey well into the future to ensure that his words and actions align with his pursuit of truth and knowledge."
Now Irving will be back after missing eight games. He's already sat seven contests, and his final matchup away from the 6-9 Nets will take place Thursday evening at the Portland Trail Blazers.
Irving has averaged 26.9 points, 5.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds this season.
Markieff Morris Slams 'False Stories' About Ben Simmons' Struggles with Nets
Nov 17, 2022
Miami Heat's Markieff Morris warms up before Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Brooklyn Nets power forward Markieff
Morris disputed a report from Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic regarding comments during a players-only meeting last month.
Here's a portion of the report released
Wednesday:
Sources with direct knowledge of the
meeting, but who were granted anonymity so that they could speak
freely, say that in that meeting Markieff Morris—a veteran leader
on these Nets—spoke up in front of all of his teammates about how
they need Simmons to succeed and that he has to respond when he deals
with adversity on the court. Those sources all described a meeting
where Simmons appeared to take Morris' words in stride and was
responsive and attentive throughout.
Morris responded on social media:
Who’s the source? Y’all gotta chill with these false stories man! Let me and my guys hoop! https://t.co/zjh68dEZ09
The 33-year-old forward signed with the Nets in September to provide frontcourt depth. He played a similar role for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat in recent years, and he won his first ring with L.A. in 2020.
Simmons has missed five of the team's
first 15 games because of left knee soreness. The Nets own a 6-9 record.
His production when on the floor has
also been modest at best. He's averaged 5.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and
5.6 assists while playing 26.6 minutes per contest. He's made only eight of his 17 free-throw attempts (47.1 percent).
The Nets were betting on better
performance at both ends of the floor when they acquired the
three-time All-Star from the Philadelphia 76ers in February.
He sat out the start of last season
with the Sixers to focus on his mental health. Following the
trade, he was diagnosed with a back injury that caused him to miss
the remainder of the campaign.
Brooklyn's front office decided against
a full-scale roster reconstruction during the offseason. But there have been few signs so far that the team is ready to turn things around and
emerge as a serious title contender.
Getting Simmons back into top form
would be a major step in the right direction. That begins with
keeping him on the floor for an extended period, which is far from guaranteed given the lingering nature of his knee injury.
Simmons is not listed on the
injury report ahead of Thursday night's road clash with the Portland
Trail Blazers as Brooklyn attempts to snap a two-game losing skid.
