New York (AP) – Kevin Durant made his comeback in the NBA after a 21-game injury break. The superstar missed crucial shots at the end of the game and lost with the Brooklyn Nets 107:113 against the Miami Heat.
Although Durant was the best pitcher on the field with 31 points, he was unable to prevent the Nets’ 32nd loss and another setback in the fight for direct playoff spots. The Heat, on the other hand, extended their lead in the Eastern Conference ahead of the Chicago Bulls, who had previously lost 124-130 to the Atlanta Hakws.
The Boston Celtics climbed to fifth in the Eastern Conference after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 120-107 at home. Jayson Tatum had 37 points on his 24th birthday and had a particularly strong final quarter with 21 points. Daniel Theis contributed six points and six rebounds to victory. Because the seventh-placed Toronto Raptors lost their home game to the Detroit Pistons 106-108, the Celtics’ chances of a direct participation in the playoffs have increased further.
In the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks got their third win in a row and extended the Golden State Warriors’ mini-crisis to three losses. Maxi Kleber was not used in the 122:113 due to an ankle injury. Luka Doncic excelled with 41 points, ten rebounds and nine assists.
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