NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 30 factors, together with the clinching jumper with 11 seconds left, and the Brooklyn Nets held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 on Friday evening.
Durant was 12 of 13 on free throws and Patty Mills added 23 factors for the Nets, who gained for the fifth time in six video games and improved their Jap Convention-leading file to 16-6.
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James Harden completed with 20 factors, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 13 factors.
“We stayed with our protection,” Durant stated. “We made them shoot over us. We acquired stops (and) we have been capable of make photographs down the stretch.”
Former Nets guard D’Angelo Russell scored 21 factors for the Timberwolves, who’ve misplaced three of 5. Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards completed with 19 apiece, and Malik Beasley had 18.
“We competed,” Reid stated.
Russell’s pull-up jumper on the primary possession of the fourth quarter gave Minnesota an 87-86 lead and he made one other for a 95-91 edge with 9:33 left.
The Nets regained the lead with a 6-0 spurt halfway by means of the fourth quarter, going forward 105-101. Minnesota lower the deficit to 107-105 on Edwards’ basket however Harden knocked down a free throw and Durant drilled a mid-range jumper with 11 seconds left to seal the win.
“I understand how necessary the fourth quarter is, particularly in a decent sport,” stated Durant. “I used to be capable of get to my spots within the fourth and knock some in.”
Brooklyn took a one-point lead on Durant’s three-point play with 1:20 left within the first half, and prolonged it to as a lot as seven factors 3 times within the third quarter. However the pesky Timberwolves saved hanging round and solely trailed 86-85 getting into the fourth.
“They (tried) to muck it up and keep within the sport,” Durant stated. “You need to recognize that and respect that as an opponent.”
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After a raggedly performed opening 24 minutes for each side, it was the Nets who led 59-55 at halftime. The Nets went to the foul line 24 occasions within the first two quarters, and made 19 free throws. By comparability, Minnesota made 13 of 14 free throws within the first half. Each groups dedicated 11 turnovers.
“There have been loads of issues we might (have finished otherwise),” Reid stated of the primary half. “Numerous bonehead turnovers that we might have probably acquired a shot on the rim.”
The Timberwolves have been short-handed, as beginning middle Karl-Anthony Cities (bruised tailbone), reserve level guard Patrick Beverley (left adductor pressure) and Jaden McDaniels (flu-like signs) didn’t play.
TIP-INS:
Timberwolves: After lacking the playoffs 16 occasions within the final 21 seasons, Minnesota hopes to show a nook below coach Chris Finch, who has the Timberwolves in eighth place within the Western Convention. Finch credited his gamers for “unbelievable purchase in” to the strategy he and the teaching workers have applied, in addition to their maturity. “Typically it’s about once you get these guys of their profession,” Finch stated. “They’re prepared, really, to show the web page to a different level of their profession and (they’re) very centered on playoffs, alternatives, group success; doing all of the issues you could do to win at the next stage on each given evening.”
Nets: The short-handed Nets took one other step nearer to being at full energy with the return of reserve massive man Nic Claxton. Claxton, 22, had missed 17 straight video games with an undisclosed sickness after taking part in within the first 4 video games of Brooklyn’s season. “It’s not like he’s coming again to play 25 minutes an evening. We wish to give him alternatives to develop and enhance his health,” coach Steve Nash stated earlier than the sport, stressing he would wait to see if a scenario “presents itself” to get Claxton taking part in time.
UP NEXT:
Timberwolves: Host Atlanta Monday evening.
Nets: Host Chicago Saturday evening.
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