The Brooklyn Nets’ 2021-22 season, marked by injuries and difficult decisions, has sparked intense debate around the team’s performance and legacy. Kevin Durant defends team journey despite falling short of winning a championship, while coach Steve Nash openly acknowledges the risks taken, especially regarding James Harden’s health, during their uneven but determined playoff run.
Brooklyn Nets’ Injury-Plagued Season and Risky Decisions
The season for the Nets, led by star players Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden under coach Steve Nash, was expected to be a historic championship run. Instead, it was plagued by injuries that limited the star trio to only 16 games together. Despite winning 13 of those games, their postseason was overshadowed by key setbacks.
Kyrie Irving’s injury, caused when he landed on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s leg, ended his playoff contribution abruptly. Meanwhile, Harden was already struggling with a persistent hamstring issue. Faced with these challenges, Nash had to make tough choices, including playing Harden while injured.
We were injured. James shouldn’t have been playing. He was on one leg, Ky was out, Jeff Green was in and out,
Nash admitted during an appearance on Mind the Game.
Before proceeding, Nash consulted Harden, who has a history of playing through injuries, including the previous season with the Clippers. Despite Harden’s condition, alongside Irving’s absence, the Nets pushed their series to a decisive Game 7 against the eventual champions. Durant’s crucial moment came down to having his toe on the line, preventing a potential series-winning shot.
Kevin Durant’s Perspective on the Team’s Journey
Rather than focusing solely on the final outcome, Kevin Durant emphasizes the significance of the journey the team underwent. He criticizes media narratives that dismiss the team’s efforts simply because they lacked a championship trophy, urging a deeper understanding of the obstacles faced.
I don’t think that should be an indictment on anybody. People don’t understand context, though, man, what truly happens and how you need to really be connected as a group. They just looked at the names and thought it going to be perfect,
Durant expressed during a conversation with Steve Nash and LeBron James.
Durant highlights how the Nets’ path to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, despite falling short, was filled with challenges the public often overlooks. He acknowledges the desire to win every opportunity but stresses that the process, even when it doesn’t end in victory, holds value.
The dialogue around the league, the discourse around the league, they don’t truly appreciate the journey sometimes on what goes on. Even the ones that don’t work out. You can still see some beauty in the Sacramento Kings that didn’t win the chip. Or your Phoenix Suns that didn’t win the championship. If you really love the game of basketball, you can pull great things from all of that stuff,
Durant added.
Challenges Impacting the Nets’ Championship Hopes
The injuries and broken lineup chemistry left the Nets unable to reach their full potential. The team’s talent was undeniable, but the extended absences and risked injuries contributed to falling short of the ultimate goal. Nash himself shared in the responsibility, expressing regret over the decisions made to push Harden onto the court despite his condition.
Injuries to Irving and Harden forced Nash’s hand, and the roster faced rotations with Jeff Green coming in and out due to his own issues. This patchwork lineup could not consistently perform at the level the team had aimed for, making their postseason run all the more complicated.
Broader Implications of Valuing the Journey Over the Title
Durant’s defense of the team’s journey asks fans and analysts to reconsider how success is measured in sports. Only one team can claim a championship each year, and many worthy teams experience setbacks that distort their legacies. By appreciating the effort, resilience, and growth seen through the season, a fuller picture emerges beyond wins and losses.
The debate over valuing the journey promotes a more empathetic understanding of the game’s complexities. It challenges the often harsh spotlight on expectations for star-studded teams and unearths the reality behind injuries and team dynamics that can derail even the most promising campaigns.
Moving forward, the Nets’ 2021-22 season remains a cautionary tale about managing player health and expectations, setting a tone for the franchise’s future decisions. Kevin Durant’s stance might inspire a broader appreciation for the nuances in professional sports, where the path taken can be as meaningful as the destination reached.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Kevin Durant ever scored 50?
A. Kevin Durant scored over 50 points in a single game against the Hawks on April 2, 2022.