Seth Curry discusses taking needed pressure off Nets’ Kevin Durant
When Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 114-112 on Wednesday, a key factor in the result was the Mavs’ use of early and aggressive double-teams against Kevin Durant.
With Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, and Ben Simmons all out of the lineup, there was a lack of viable threats to make the Mavericks defense pay when attempting to recover after the double-teams.
Curry, who made his return to the Nets’ lineup in Friday’s 128-123 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, finished his performance with 27 points with seven made 3s. In the post-game press conference, he discussed how he was able to take needed pressure off Durant.
“Watching the last few games, the way (teams are) guarding him, sending two, three people at him no matter where he is on the floor,” Curry said. “It’s my job to step on the floor, be aggressive, knock down shots. And like I said, just try to create space for him, make the game easier for him. Just keep the game simple.
“You shouldn’t be able to run two, three guys at a player the entire game without having to pay for it. I think we did a good job of taking advantage of it tonight.”
Throughout Curry’s NBA career, he’s provided teams with a real boost being a highly efficient off-ball threat that can punish the defense for loading up on a superstar. Doing so for Durant is just the latest.
Curry, who missed the Nets’ three prior games, has averaged 16.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 12 games since being traded to Brooklyn. He’s been shooting a blistering hot 47.6 percent from beyond the arc to go along with his elevated scoring average.
