Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Kevin Durant made his long-awaited return to Brooklyn on Wednesday, nearly one year after the Nets granted his trade request and dealt him to the Phoenix Suns.
Like he did often in Brooklyn, Durant put forth a sensational effort, dropping a game-high 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, eight assists, five rebounds and two blocks en route to leading Phoenix to a 136-120 win.
Durant posted 16 points and five assists in the first half, but the Nets kept this one close, trailing just 64-61 at the break.
However, the Suns caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 42 points to take a 106-87 lead going into the fourth. KD scored 11 points in the final six minutes of the third to support that effort.
The Nets carved into the lead in the final frame but never slashed the deficit to single digits. Durant and the Suns were simply too tough on this night en route to Phoenix’s ninth win in 11 games. KD capped his 33-point night with this hammer:
NBA @NBA
KEVIN DURANT. 🌟
THROW DOWN. 🔨 https://t.co/zmOw1lFpzW pic.twitter.com/vw1ypMSjD8
For the Suns, Jusuf Nurkić had a great night with 28 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Devin Booker added 22 points. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points.
But this night was about KD before, during and after his great game. Fans were undoubtedly impressed with the 14-time All-Star’s efforts.
Suns Are Better @SunsAreBetter
As bad as the Suns are in these 4th quarters, it sure does help to have Kevin Durant there to save you.
PhxSuns (28-20) @PhxSunsAlways
Great win. Really good second half and a great team performance. Really unselfish basketball and KD having a great night on both ends.
🃏 yul @siryungyul
KD went crazy tonight in his return to Brooklyn 😮💨 slight 33 for Kevin Durant in his revenge game, him and Nurkic made it look easy tonight against the Nets
A Suns Fan (depressed)🥺(sad)☠️(furry)😿 @SunsNumbaOne
Kevin Durant Tonight pic.twitter.com/NK5BqfflFE
ThePhoenixSuns.Com (Not The NBA Team) @ThePhoenixSuns2
Durant with no regard for human life #PHXvsBKN
KD and the Suns will continue their seven-game Eastern Conference road trip on Friday with a matchup at the Atlanta Hawks. Phoenix moved to 28-20 with the win and now sits percentage points behind the Sacramento Kings for fifth in the West.
