Kevin Durant had a nightmare game against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the playoffs. The Brooklyn Nets fell to a 2-0 deficit in the first round of the playoffs against Boston. Kyrie Irving was struggling all game, ending up with just 10 points on the night. However, Durant is catching a lot of flak for his performance.
The stat sheet says 27 points, but KD got 18 of those points at the free-throw line. He made just 4 field goals on the night and shot a shocking 23.5% from the field on the night, arguably one of the worst offensive performances in his playoffs career.
This being one of his worst post-season performances is validated by an incredible statistical measure that Durant sadly met during the loss.
Kevin Durant in the 2nd half of Game 2:
0-10 FG
4 turnovers
It's the most FGA without a single make in any half of his entire career (regular & postseason).
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 21, 2022
We have never seen Durant struggle like this, especially in recent memory. Considering the NEts still kept the game close, it is a wonder to imagine what would have happened if KD’s shots fell. That is a question that even the Nets may grapple with as they look to overturn a 2-0 start when they go back home to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
KD’s performance in Game 1 was also disappointing, as the Nets fell to a Jayson Tatum buzzer-beater. Even if one of his shots in that game fell in a timely manner, the Nets could have won that as well. Two close losses while looking completely outmatched is a worrying sign, but Durant will take motivation from these performances and look to show out in front of his home crowd.
The Nets with KD and Kyrie have the most pressure on their shoulders considering their super-team project that started in 2019. With Ben Simmons returning soon and possibly guarding Jayson Tatum, there is optimism for the Nets. If this season fails, it will be challenging to conclusively say this Nets team deserves to be title favorites every season.
