NBA playoffs 2021: Nash marvels at 'signature performance' from record-breaking Durant
Peter Thompson
June 16, 2021 10:30 MYT
June 16, 2021 10:30 MYT
Steve Nash says Kevin Durant's "signature performance" in the Brooklyn Nets' 114-108 NBA playoff win over the Milwaukee Bucks showed why is one of the all-time greats.
Durant produced a masterclass in Game 5 at Barclays Center on Tuesday; scoring 49 points, claiming 17 rebounds and providing 10 assists as the Nets took a 3-2 series lead.
The two-time NBA champion became the first player to put up at least 45 points, 15 boards and 10 assists in a postseason game.
Durant stole the show as James Harden struggled on his return from a hamstring injury for a Nets side missing Kyrie Irving due to a sprained ankle.
Nets coach Nash said of the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals MVP: "It's ridiculous what he's able to do.
"We knew he was capable of nights like this, but to do it tonight… We miss Ky, James obviously is soldiering through his ailments. We're down bodies, we're wounded. And for him to have the toughness, the mentality. That's what makes him one of the all-time greats.
"This is a performance that's a signature performance for Kevin, and it was beautiful to watch."
48 minutes we're going to remember for a long time. pic.twitter.com/mOKj6UQxbV — Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) June 16, 2021
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Durant is focused on trying to repeat his incredible exploits as the Nets go in search of NBA glory.
He said: "I didn't even think about anything but just each possession. I was trying to win each possession, and I didn't think about how many points I had or shot attempts or rebounds or assists.
"That's the approach I always take, and I was able to rack up some points. I did play every minute, so that did help with my point total."
Asked how he ranked his performance, he said: "Once they happen, I just move on and see if I can do it again. That was a fun game to be a part of, but there have been a lot of games in my career I feel have been just as fun."
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and took 12 assists but the Bucks lost despite moving into a 17-point lead in the third quarter.