Harden returns to score 18 points, Nets beat Spurs 128-116
Spurs Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' James Harden (13) looks to pass away from San Antonio Spurs' Rudy Gay (22) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK — (AP) — James Harden had 18 points and 11 assists in his return from an 18-game absence to help the Brooklyn Nets beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-116 on Wednesday night. Landry Shamet scored 21 points and Nicolas Claxton had a career-high 18 for the Nets. Kevin Durant had 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points for the Spurs, who missed a chance to secure a spot in the play-in tournament.
wftv.comHarden debuts with triple-double, Durant scores 42, Nets win
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK – James Harden and Kevin Durant needed a little while to remember how to play together again. Once they did, the Brooklyn Nets really got rolling — and they might still get to another gear when Kyrie Irving rejoins them. Harden also had nine turnovers and Durant had six, with some sloppiness while Harden got used to his new teammates. They were much more competitive than the others, including a 124-97 loss in Boston on Friday, but didn't have enough answers for Durant or Harden. Nets: Durant has scored 25 or points in nine straight games, setting a new franchise record.
VanVleet, Powell lead Raptors past Nets 104-99 for 2-0 lead
The victory gave the Raptors a 2-0 lead in the first round plyoff series. Kyle Lowry had 21 points, nine rebounds and forced a big turnover in the closing seconds for the second seeded Raptors. But this game was much closer as the Nets built a 14-point lead in the first quarter. Toronto was in control after that, stretching the lead to eight on Powell's drive and dunk from the right wing. Caris LeVert had 16 points and 11 rebounds, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris each had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Nets.