KD Warms Up Before Nets Rout Wizards

Photo: Derrel Jazz Johnson 

By Derrel Jazz Johnson 

Washington, D.C. – Less than a week ago, Steve Nash was coaching the Brooklyn Nets while Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving were playing. But Nash was dismissed. Tuesday, Irving was suspended and

Simmons is out until at least Monday with an injury. The Brooklyn Nets responded by tying their largest-ever margin of victory in a road game with a 128-86 win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

Kevin Durant was one rebound short of a triple-douhle, leading all scorers with 28 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Nic Claxton was a rebound short of a double-double, adding 18 points and 9 rebounds. Cam Johnson added 17 points and 6 assists off the bench. Playing center for the first time since high school, Yuta Watanabe added 14 points and 8 rebounds. 

Brooklyn interim head coach Jacque Vaughn discussed the effort and focus of the team after the game. “We talked this morning about really having a choice and being able to support each other with our feelings, with our effort, being there for each other,” he expressed.” You saw, multiple times, multiple effort from guys where they are coming over from the low man than scrambling out and still making contests. When you are small, you have to make multiple efforts.” 

Irving was suspended for at least five games. Interim coach Vaughn refused to get into details that would lead to Irving’s return.