STEVE NASH

Ben Simmons underwent what was determined to be a successful back surgery in Los Angeles.

With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the Brooklyn Nets had expectations of being the last team standing.

Ben Simmons has been ruled out of Game 4 of Brooklyn’s playoff series against Boston, making it possible he won’t play at all this season.

Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera has joined the 3,000-hits club, the 33rd player in Major League Baseball history to do so.

The Nets host Game 3 on Saturday and might get Ben Simmons back in Game 4 on Monday. So I couldn’t have more faith and trust in Kevin Durant,” Nets coach Steve Nash said. The Philadelphia 76ers can become the first team into the second round by beating the Toronto Raptors to complete a sweep. “Now, of course, that’s who he is coming into a series halfway through against a really good Boston team, especially defensively,” Mills said. The Wolves coach let his team play through its struggles instead of calling timeout to slow the Grizzlies' surge in Game 3.

Scoring has rarely looked so difficult for Kevin Durant.

NEW YORK — (AP) — Ben Simmons hopes to play for the Brooklyn Nets during their first-round series against Boston, though he said he probably won't be ready for Game 3 on Saturday. Simmons said Game 4 on Monday is more likely. “I think it’s reasonable to think that, but it’s day to day,” Simmons said after practice Friday. “I can’t tell you definitely Game 4, Game 3. Simmons expects to get another workout Saturday and then a determination will be made if he's ready to jump in Monday — when they could be facing elimination.

Ben Simmons hopes to play for the Brooklyn Nets during their first-round series against Boston, though he said he probably won’t be ready for Game 3 on Saturday.

Jaylen Brown scored 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and the Boston Celtics rallied from 17 points down to beat the Brooklyn Nets 114-107 and take a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

Subway Shooting A police officer stands watch at the entrance of 36th Street Station after multiple people were shot on a subway train, Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. “That’s the subway stop for our practice facility and for our office,” Nets coach Steve Nash said before the game. The Nets thanked first responders and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured. Members of the police counter terrorism unit were positioned at the top of the steps outside the subway station across the plaza from Barclays Center. “So that’s first and foremost, is keeping those people in our minds and whatever we can do to help there, help there," he said.

The Brooklyn Nets held a moment of silence before their play-in game against Cleveland and said they were donating $50,000 to help those who were injured after at least 10 people were shot on a subway.

Pacers Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, center, grabs a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers at the Barclays Center, Sunday, Apr. Andre Drummond added 20 points, shooting 9 for 9, and 13 rebounds. Bruce Brown scored 21 points in the Nets' fourth straight victory to wrap up the regular season. Oshae Brissett scored 28 points for the Pacers, who lost their final 10 games to finish 25-57. The Nets led 76-60 at halftime but the Pacers began the third quarter with a 17-2 run to make it a one-point game.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points, Kevin Durant had 20 points, a career-high 16 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Brooklyn Nets locked up seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 134-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Kevin Durant had 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, leading the Brooklyn Nets back from 21 points down to a 110-98 victory over the New York Knicks that strengthened their chances of the best spot possible in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.

Trae Young scored 36 points, including nine points in the final minute, and the streaking Atlanta Hawks overcame Kevin Durant’s career-high 55 points to hold off the Brooklyn Nets 122-115 for their fifth consecutive win.

Kyrie Irving is finally going to play a home game for Brooklyn again on Sunday.

Desmond Bane scored 23 points, including nine straight as Memphis rebuilt its lead in the fourth quarter, and the Grizzlies beat Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets 132-120.

Ben Simmons' back injury is a herniated disk, though Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash still believes the guard can play this season. Simmons had an epidural recently that Nash said he believed had relieved some of the pain in his back. Nash had revealed that step after it happened last week, but hadn't disclosed the nature of Simmons' injury until Monday, when he confirmed a report by The Athletic.

Mavericks Nets Basketball Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (John Minchillo)NEW YORK — (AP) — Spencer Dinwiddie made a 3-pointer at the buzzer against his former team, giving the Dallas Mavericks a 113-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. The Mavericks took time and Luka Doncic brought the ball up before the Mavericks got it to Dinwiddie, who nailed the jumper from the right side, right in front of Brooklyn's bench. Dinwiddie scored 22 points, 15 in the fourth quarter. He beat that by quickly rising for the 3-pointer that gave Brooklyn the lead, but Dinwiddie again came through late for the Mavs.

Spencer Dinwiddie made a 3-pointer at the buzzer against his former team, giving the Dallas Mavericks a 113-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Kyrie Irving scored a career-high 60 points, most in the Nets’ NBA history, to lead Brooklyn to a 150-108 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Knicks Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving watches the game from his seats during the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center, Sunday, Mar. Irving was a spectator at Barclays Center on Sunday, sitting across from the Nets bench for Brooklyn's 110-107 victory over the New York Knicks. After the Nets game ended, he walked off arm-in-arm with Durant, who had scored a season-high 53 points, toward the locker room. Unlike the stands, the locker room is considered part of the team's workplace environment. Coach Steve Nash acknowledged during his postgame availability that Irving had been in the locker room at halftime.

The NBA has fined the Brooklyn Nets $50,000 letting Kyrie Irving into their locker room during a game in which he was unable to play because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Knicks Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, right, shoots over New York Knicks' Mitchell Robinson during the first half of the NBA basketball game at the Barclays Center, Sunday, Mar. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig)NEW YORK — (AP) — Kevin Durant scored a season-high 53 points, making the tiebreaking 3-pointer in a sensational show for a crowd that included Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the New York Knicks 110-107 on Sunday. Irving had a nice view while attending his first Nets home game this season, though still unable to play in New York. He walked off arm-in-arm with Durant toward the Nets locker room after the game ended. Durant scored 16 points in the first quarter and Brooklyn was ahead much of the way, but the Knicks rallied to take a 103-101 lead on Barrett's basket.

Kevin Durant scored a season-high 53 points, making the tiebreaking 3-pointer in a sensational show for a crowd that included Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the New York Knicks 110-107.

Kevin Durant will start for the Brooklyn Nets against Miami after missing 21 games with a sprained left knee ligament.

Kings Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons, right, looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin) (Corey Sipkin)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Ben Simmons is dealing with back soreness as the Brooklyn Nets’ new acquisition prepares to make his 2021-22 debut. Nets coach Steve Nash confirmed before Saturday’s game with the Milwaukee Bucks that the three-time All-Star has encountered “just a little soreness in his back.”“It’s not like an injury," Nash said. "It’s just kind of like as he’s returning to play, his back’s flared up a little. “I think that’s just a part of his process of returning to play.

Ben Simmons is dealing with back soreness as the Brooklyn Nets’ new acquisition prepares to make his 2021-22 debut.

When the All-Star break ends, the stretch run begins.

Rookie Cam Thomas led Brooklyn back from a 28-point deficit with 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Nets stunned the New York Knicks 111-106.

(AP Photo/José Luis Villegas) (José Luis Villegas)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Ben Simmons got his wish, a trade out of Philadelphia. The 76ers got their second superstar, with James Harden coming over in a blockbuster multiplayer trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers sent Simmons, their disgruntled All-Star guard, guard Seth Curry and center Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for Harden. The Sixers will also get Paul Millsap and the Nets get draft picks, according to people with direct knowledge of the decision. This is the second straight season Harden was traded during the season.

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden as part of a multiplayer deal.

With the NBA trade deadline looming, it's decision time for teams around the league.

Nets Kings Basketball Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) yells to forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas) (José Luis Villegas)DENVER — (AP) — James Harden is staying put with the Brooklyn Nets. Coach Steve Nash gave a direct answer when asked before the team's game at Denver on Sunday if the team was definitely not trading the former MVP before Thursday's deadline. Nash said Harden’s hamstring is tightness, not a strain, and he has lost strength in the ligament. The Nets entered Sunday’s game having lost seven in a row, including a blowout loss at Utah on Friday night.

James Harden is staying put with the Brooklyn Nets.

Devin Booker scored 35 points, Mikal Bridges added a season-high 27 and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 11 games by beating the Brooklyn Nets 121-111 on Tuesday night.

Nets Warriors Basketball Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass the ball between Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Stephen Curry during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Thompson hit the biggest shot yet of his 2 1/2-year injury comeback, smoothly sinking a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left to send the Golden State Warriors to a 110-106 victory over Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Andrew Wiggins contributed 24 points and eight rebounds as the Warriors made key late stops, including Irving's missed reverse layup try with a minute left. After Wiggins missed a 3 with 30 seconds left, Mills converted two free throws after a foul. ... Nash loves being back in the Bay Area, where he previously worked as a player development consultant with the Warriors.

Klay Thompson hit the biggest shot yet of his 2 1/2-year injury comeback, smoothly sinking a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left in the game to send the Golden State Warriors to a 110-106 victory over Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets.

LeBron James welcomed Anthony Davis back with a lob pass for the game’s first basket, then turned to this own offense to score 33 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 106-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Darius Garland strengthened his All-Star case with 22 points and 12 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets, who began a stretch without injured superstar Kevin Durant.

Nets Bulls Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, in Chicago. If Irving gets vaccinated against the coronavirus, the Brooklyn Nets become an almost unstoppable offense with three of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA. Irving has played three games since the Nets decided to bring him back to play in all the road games where there is no vaccine mandate. “So for me, it’s just, he’ll be playing on the road.”That will help the Nets in the short term. And exactly halfway through their season, that's about all the Nets know for sure.

Instead of taking a big shot, James Harden wants to deliver one — right into Kyrie Irving’s arm.

The Brooklyn Nets will have all three superstars available for just the second time this season when they meet the Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Bulls.

APTOPIX Nets Pacers Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving watches from the bench during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (Darron Cummings)NEW YORK — (AP) — Kevin Durant reiterated Friday that he won't lobby teammate Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated against the coronavirus so he could be eligible to play in all the Brooklyn Nets' games. So he can play basketball? “Whatever decision he's going to make, he’s going to make. So whenever he’s ready, he’ll be ready.”Coach Steve Nash said recently he hadn't talked to Irving about his decision not to get vaccinated since the preseason.

Kevin Durant reiterates that he won’t lobby teammate Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated against the coronavirus so he could be eligible to play in all the Brooklyn Nets’ games.

Bucks Nets Basketball Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball in front of Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)NEW YORK — (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points in his return from a one-game absence, Khris Middleton added 15 of his 20 in the third quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the Brooklyn Nets 121-109 on Friday night. Bobby Portis scored 20 of his 25 in the first half to help the Bucks snap a two-game skid. The last loss came without Antetokounmpo, who didn't play Wednesday night against Toronto because of an illness unrelated to COVID-19. Kevin Durant had 29 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Nets, who have lost five straight home games.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points in his return from a one-game absence, Khris Middleton added 15 of his 20 in the third quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the Brooklyn Nets 121-109.

Nets Pacers Basketball Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash reacts with Kyrie Irving during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (Darron Cummings)INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored 22 points and sparked Brooklyn to a big rally in the second half of his season debut, Kevin Durant had 39 and the Nets beat the Indiana Pacers 129-121 on Wednesday night. But they changed their mind last month and were glad they did Wednesday, when Irving helped them charge back from a 19-point deficit. Lance Stephenson, who had two previous stints with the Pacers, scored 30 in his first home game with the Pacers after signing a 10-day contract. The Pacers shot 62% to a grab a 73-60 lead at halftime.

Kyrie Irving scored 22 points and sparked Brooklyn to a big rally in the second half of his season debut, Kevin Durant had 39 and the Nets beat the Indiana Pacers 129-121.

Ja Morant scored 36 points and five Grizzlies scored in double figures as Memphis extended its winning streak to five games with a 118-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Joel Embiid scored 34 points and the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled Kevin Durant’s return to the lineup by beating the Brooklyn Nets 110-102.

Kyrie Irving doesn’t know when he’ll get his first playing time of the season.

The NBA's five-game Christmas Day slate will be played as scheduled, but with many big names absent.

Raptors Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, in New York. The Nets have had their last three scheduled games postponed — among the NBA's nine postponements thus far — when a coronavirus outbreak left them with a league-high 10 players in protocols. Nash said Harden, Paul Millsap and Jevon Carter had also cleared protocols, though rookies Cam Thomas, Kessler Edwards and David Duke Jr. had since entered. The 40-year-old Johnson played on Wednesday, his first NBA game since 2018. Stephenson also debuted for the Hawks on Wednesday, his first NBA game since 2019.

Raptors Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)NEW YORK — (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets have enough players to fly to Los Angeles and play their Christmas showdown against the Lakers, though Kevin Durant might not be among them. The Nets have had their last three scheduled games postponed when a coronavirus outbreak left them with a league-high 10 players in protocols. Nash said the Nets have more than enough to do that. Nash said it's only in the last day that healthy players have been able to return to the practice facility for individual workouts.

The Brooklyn Nets don't expect Kevin Durant to be available for their Christmas showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Robin Lopez had 20 points and 10 rebounds and the Orlando Magic beat the short-handed Brooklyn Nets 100-93 on Saturday night to snap a seven-game losing streak.

Kevin Durant scored 34 points, making a four-point play with the game tied and 1:46 left, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-105 for another short-handed victory.

Nets Hawks Basketball Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) makes his way past fans as he walks to the locker room after the Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks in an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore)ATLANTA — (AP) — Kevin Durant and James Harden carried the heavy scoring load for the Brooklyn Nets, as usual. Durant scored 31 points, including a go-ahead jumper midway through the fourth quarter, and the Nets proved to be resilient once again, beating the Hawks 113-105 on Friday night. “It was just a good lineup to finish the game,” Durant said. “We both played good defense,” Young said.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points, including a go-ahead jumper midway through the fourth quarter, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105.

Devin Booker scored 30 points, Chris Paul had 22 and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 16 games with a 113-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

Now the Nets forward is looking down at the Hall of Famer from the top 25 of the NBA's all-time scoring list. “I’ve just got to keep going.”Patty Mills scored 23, and James Harden had 20 points and 11 assists for Brooklyn. They scored 18 of the first 21 points in the third and led 97-68 before Boston scored the last eight points of the quarter. Boston scored the first eight points in the fourth to cut it to 97-85. ... Harden stopped by the Boston bench before the game to say hello to Udoka, who was a Nets assistant last season.

The Brooklyn Nets beat the Boston Celtics 123-104.

James Harden had 36 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and the Brooklyn Nets overcame a 19-point deficit and the absence of Kevin Durant to beat the Orlando Magic 115-113.

Stephen Curry had 37 points, easily winning matchup of the NBA’s top two scorers when Kevin Durant had his worst night of the season, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Brooklyn Nets 117-99 Durant came in leading the league with 29.6 points per game, but he managed only 19, the first time all season he didn’t hit 20.

Nets Raptors Basketball Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, top, picks up a foul on Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant as they fight for the ball during second-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP) (Frank Gunn)TORONTO — (AP) — Kevin Durant had 31 points, James Harden scored 16 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and the Brooklyn Nets won their fifth straight game, beating the Toronto Raptors 116-103 on Sunday. Durant scored 13 points in the quarter and Griffin had seven as the Nets took an 88-77 lead to the fourth. Raptors: Siakam replaced Precious Achiuwa in the starting lineup. … For the second straight game, the Raptors didn’t attempt a free throw in the first quarter.

Kevin Durant had 29 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, James Harden scored 20 points and the Brooklyn Nets used a late 13-0 run to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 114-109.

Steve Nash admitted that Kyrie Irving is going to miss home games because he's unvaccinated, leaving the guard and the Nets' future unknown.

Players like Kyrie Irving, who has refused to say if he will be vaccinated against COVID-19, will be subject to testing on all NBA practice, travel and game days this season. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File) (Adam Hunger)NEW YORK — (AP) — Kyrie Irving could join the Brooklyn Nets at practice this weekend after a ruling that their practice facility doesn't fall under a New York coronavirus vaccination mandate. The Nets were told Friday that the training center is considered a private facility. But having Irving able to practice increases the chances he could be ready to play when the Nets visit the Bucks on Oct. 19 in the NBA season opener. Is he not going to be able to practice in our facility at some point?

Kyrie Irving could join the Brooklyn Nets at practice this weekend after a ruling that their practice facility doesn’t fall under a New York coronavirus vaccination mandate.

The Brooklyn Nets no longer seem so sure they will have their whole team together for home games when the season opens.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook were on one side.

Ty Lue was seven when the San Diego Clippers packed up their basketballs and uniforms and moved the 120 miles up the freeway to Los Angeles after the 1983-84 season.

Following suggestions from the league’s competition committee, the NBA has spent time this offseason teaching its referees how to handle it when offensive players are making non-basketball moves with hopes of drawing contact from defenders.

That leaves the Nets facing a dilemma as the series returns to Milwaukee for Game 6 on Thursday. After Durant played all 48 minutes and Harden played 46 minutes Tuesday, how long can they reasonably play in Game 6? “I think that’s something that we have to feel out as we go,” Nets coach Steve Nash said Wednesday. “There is no championship if you don’t get out of this series,” Nash said. The home team has won every game in this series and the Nets are 0-4 in Milwaukee this season.

Nets Bucks Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant tries to drive past Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. Tucker during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball semifinals game Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Milwaukee. Though the series is tied, the Milwaukee Bucks are way ahead in the health category. The Nets also listed Harden as out in their injury report Monday but upgraded him twice on Tuesday, first to doubtful and then to questionable. One of the greatest scorers in the game can certainly get hot enough to keep the Nets in a game no matter who plays.

Nets Bucks Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant tries to drive past Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. Tucker during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball semifinals game Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Milwaukee. Though the series is tied, the Milwaukee Bucks are way ahead in the health category. The Nets also listed Harden as out in their injury report Monday but upgraded him to doubtful on Tuesday morning. One of the greatest scorers in the game can certainly get hot enough to keep the Nets in a game no matter who plays.

Nets Bucks Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant tries to drive past Milwaukee Bucks' P.J. Tucker during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball semifinals game Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Milwaukee. Though the series is tied, the Milwaukee Bucks are way ahead in the health category. The Nets were held to 83 points in Game 3 and 96 on Sunday, when the Bucks were able to focus additional defensive attention on Durant. One of the greatest scorers in the game can certainly get hot enough to keep the Nets in a game no matter who plays.

Bucks Nets Basketball Injured Brooklyn Nets player James Harden, center left, greets Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) at the end of the third quarter of Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks, Monday, June 7, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets again won’t have James Harden but could have forward Jeff Green back for Game 4 of their second-round playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Nets coach Steve Nash said Saturday that Harden is out and Green is questionable for Sunday’s game. Green hasn’t played at all in the series due to a plantar fascia strain. Green last played in Game 2 of the Nets’ first-round series against the Boston Celtics.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Adam Hunger)NEW YORK — (AP) — James Harden won't be back for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. So the Bucks have plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the game Monday night. Durant scored 29 points, Irving had 25 and the Nets held the Bucks to 6-for-30 shooting from 3-point range. The Phoenix Suns host the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series in the other game Monday. After having Durant, Harden and Irving play together only eight times during the season, Nash was hopeful for a good stretch of health.

Celtics Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden drives to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Evan Fournier in the second half of Game 5 during an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Tuesday, June 1, 2021, in New York. Kyrie Irving scored 25 points and Kevin Durant had 24 for the Nets, who will face the Milwaukee Bucks in their first appearance in the second round since 2014. Fournier added 18 points and Romeo Langford had 17 starting in place of Walker, who missed his second straight game with a knee injury. The Celtics hung in the game, not letting the Nets build a double-digit lead until a 7-0 burst early in the second half made it 66-54. TIP-INSCeltics: Robert Williams also missed his second straight game with an ankle injury.

Celtics Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) blocks a shot by Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) during the second half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) (Kathy Willens)NEW YORK — (AP) — Joe Harris tied a franchise playoff record with seven 3-pointers, Kevin Durant scored 26 points and the Brooklyn Nets routed the Boston Celtics 130-108 on Tuesday night for a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. Harris had a career playoff-high 25 points and James Harden added 20 as the Nets unleashed their lethal offense after winning Game 1 largely with defense. TIP-INSCeltics: Boston has lost nine straight playoff games against the Nets and is 2-10 against them in the playoffs. Nets: Deron Williams made seven 3-pointers in Game 4 of the Nets’ first round series against Atlanta on April 27, 2015.

Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving have played just eight games together this season. But Irving said, 'We're pros.'

Bulls Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots over Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, May 15, 2021, in New York. The Brooklyn Nets shook off that slow start Saturday, beat the Chicago Bulls 105-91 and remained confident there's enough time to turn into the team they expect. Irving scored 22 points, but Durant shot just 4 for 17 and finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Harden had seven assists, five points and five rebounds while playing 25 minutes in his second game back from a hamstring injury. Nets: Joe Harris missed his second straight game and won't play Sunday because of a left gluteal strain.

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.

Spurs Nets Basketball San Antonio Spurs' Dejounte Murray (5) defends Brooklyn Nets' James Harden (13) during the first 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 returned to action for the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night after missing more than a month with a strained right hamstring. Harden came off the bench with 8:06 remaining in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs. That's far off their 27-7 mark in games in which Harden has played since the Nets acquired him from Houston in January. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Nets Nuggets Basketball Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris, left, confers with injured guard James Harden during a timeout in the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, May 8, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski)NEW YORK — (AP) — James Harden will play for the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night after missing more than a month with a strained right hamstring. The Nets announced Harden would be available for their game against the San Antonio Spurs after listing him as probable earlier in the day. The Nets are 27-7 in games in which Harden has played. ___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash realizes that sometimes there's no need to overthink situations, especially when working with great players such as Kevin Durant.