Brooklyn Nets becomes first EC team to clinch playoff spot after win over Toronto Raptors

Brooklyn Nets becomes first EC team to clinch playoff spot after win over Toronto Raptors

Kevin Durant

Out of the combined 8 players who played for Brooklyn Nets against Toronto Raptors, 7 were win double figures to guide their team into the playoff spot. Jeff Green led the away team with 22 points, while Kevin Durant scored 7 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. 

Durant, who was playing his second game after returning from a thigh injury, added 10 rebounds in 33 minutes for his eighth double-double of the season. Durant hit a 3-pointer with 1:47 remaining and glared at the Toronto bench after putting his team up 111-101. 

Kevin Durant leads Brooklyn Nets late into playoff spot after win against Toronto Raptors 

https://youtu.be/RYKtxsddhr0

The Nets won for a third straight time and the fourth time in five games to prevent Toronto from pulling off the season sweep. The Raptors, who were led by Kyle Lowry’s 24 points and six 3-pointers, had their five-game home winning streak end. One of those victories was a 114-103 defeat of the Nets in Tampa last week. 

Newly signed guard Mike James scored all of his 11 points in the fourth quarter as the Nets rallied from an 83-80 deficit to start the final period. Blake Griffin scored 17 points off the bench, while Joe Harris added 16 points and four 3-pointers. Brooklyn shot 48.2%, hit 18 3-pointers and handed out 30 assists. 

Kyrie Irving finished with nine points, six rebounds and four assists while making just 3 of 13 shots. But the other seven Nets who played all finished in double figures on the night Brooklyn became the first Eastern Conference team to lock up a postseason berth. 

Also read: Giannis Antetokounmpo helps Milwaukee Bucks avoid series sweet against Charlotte Hornets