Relive the Brooklyn Nets’ top 10 plays of the 2020-21 season
Despite falling short of a championship last year, the Nets did not fall short in putting on a show in almost every game. With all the talent in Brooklyn last season, the team was bound to put together some spectacular highlights. From game winners, to ankle-breakers to posters that you can hang up on your wall, the Nets had it all.
Putting together the top 10 plays must have been a headache with everything that went down last year, but the NBA’s YouTube team pulled it off. Without further adieu, let us take a look at the top 10 plays from the Brooklyn Nets last season.
1. Mikes James’ lob to Kevin Durant off the backboard
No play from any team probably beat this play against the Cleveland Cavliers. Mike James stole the ball and tipped it over to Blake Griffin, who then passed the ball behind his back to Kyrie Irving. Uncle Drew passed it up ahead to James again who then left a pass on a silver platter for Kevin Durant off the backboard. It was showtime in Brooklyn.
2. Kevin Durant’s game-tying shot against the Milwaukee Bucks to force overtime
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It seemed like all hope was lost when the Nets were down two with only six seconds left in an elimination game against the Bucks. It was Kevin Durant who answered the call for Brooklyn. The former Texas Longhorn spun off of PJ Tucker and connected on a fadeaway jumper to tie the game. Barclays Center exploded when Durant hit this shot.
3. Kyrie Irving floors John Collins with a dangerous crossover
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Kyrie Irving was playing with the Hawks defense on this move. A lethal crossover left John Collins stumbling at the top of the key to open up the lane for an easy layup. The move caught the Hawks big man off guard because of how quick and smooth this crossover was.
4. Kevin Durant’s dagger to put the Milwaukee Bucks away in Game 5
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Kevin Durant erupted for 49 points to lead Brooklyn to a 3-2 series lead on the Bucks last year. The 33-year-old knew how much the team needed him to close out this game so he did not stray away from the opportunity to do so. If it were not for this clutch shot, the Nets would find themselves on the road in what could have been an impossible game to win in Milwaukee.
5. Blake Griffin puts Giannis Antetokounmpo on his career highlight reel
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Griffin left Giannis Antetokounmpo in shock after a layoff pass from Bruce Brown. The Greek Freak is one of the best defenders in the league, especially at the rim, but this did not stop six-time All-Star from posterizing him in a critical Game 2.
6. James Harden’s unreal dime vs. Spurs
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The Beard left an absolute dime for Jeff Green against the Spurs. He split three defenders to get the pass off from half court and the veteran flushed it after. It was certainly the best pass from any Net last year.
7. Kyrie Irving’s inhumane layup against the Atlanta Hawks
Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
What seemed to be a foul as well turned into one of the most acrobatic layups from last season for Kyrie Irving. Uncle Drew went high off the glass and left John Collins puzzled. The angle he pulled it off from too was astonishing.
8. Kevin Durant calls “iso” on Khris Middleton and makes him look silly
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Kevin Durant called his number when he had Khris Middleton defending him on the perimeter. The two-time NBA Champion created space and could have pulled up for a jumper, but decided that he was not done with the Bucks star. He hit Middleton with one more crossover before knocking down a one-handed floater.
9. Jeff Green turns back the hands of time against Marvin Bagley
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento Kings big man Marvin Bagley saw his life flash before his eyes after a determined Jeff Green rolled to the basket after a screen. The entire building knew the veteran was going for a dunk. Bagley attempted to reject Green’s dunk attempt but the 35-year-old had other plans. He put the former Duke product on a poster and did not feel bad about it. The disrespect.
10. James Harden’s game winner vs. Suns
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The tenth spot belongs to James Harden. The Beard capped off a 38-point night with a game-winner against the Phoenix Suns. Brooklyn were down bad, so bad that they were trailing by as many as 24. Somehow, the team stuck with the blueprint and found themselves back in the game in the closing minutes. With under 40 seconds left, the Nets were down one and Harden took upon himself to put Mikal Bridges on skates before stepping back for three. After making the shot, all the momentum shifted to the Nets and they went on to win the game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXtA21G26Dc
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