“Better Than I Thought”: Kevin Durant Left Thoroughly Impressed With His Brooklyn Nets Teammates Inside the Bubble
Follow Us
The Brooklyn Nets got blown out last night by the Boston Celtics. But prior to that, they had the biggest surprise win in the bubble when they beat the Milwaukee Bucks. They seem set to qualify for the playoffs, but without their stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they won’t survive too long in the postseason.
But in their absence, other players have stepped up big time. And watching from home, Durant is impressed with them. On the “Play for Keeps” podcast, Durant praised Caris Levert and Chris Chiozza, who have been making the most out of the opportunity they have received.
Talking about Chiozza, Durant said, “He’s surprised me a lot. We started playing 3-on-3 once I started getting back into shape a little bit before the pandemic hit. Then he started getting more minutes in the games and then [was] knocking down threes, just playing with pace. He’s just looked good. He looked like he belonged out there. … He really showed me that he can play in this league.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kevin Durant surprised by Levert’s IQ
Caris Levert has been the leader with the Nets missing all of their other starters. So far in the bubble, he is averaging 21.3 points, while shooting 42.9% from the field. Durant was all praise for his scoring ability.
Trending
Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets
April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT
Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics
April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT
Joel Embiid Banned By Empire State Building After Dangerous Incident On Court With Mitchell Robinson
April 26, 2024 02:59 AM EDT
“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment
April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT
“It’s Just Basketball”: LeBron James Rambles About Anxiety After Lakers Fall To Nuggets At Home
April 26, 2024 07:55 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“He is definitely better than I thought,” Durant said. “He’s different. He can score that thing. He can pass it. He’s quick. His thing is about being efficient, and I think that’s what you’re seeing. The shots he’s taking now, it’s like all of his lane. Not a lot of threes, a lot in the mid-range, getting to the cup. I think his IQ is what surprised me the most.”
Although they won’t be making a huge impact as a team, the playing time now and the playoff experience for the inexperienced guys will be very helpful. When their stars return next season, they will have a young but still mature team who will be hungry for success. If Durant and Irving are able to mentor them and step up as leaders, they will be a team to watch out for in the Eastern Conference.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Nets now play the Sacramento Kings tomorrow at 5 pm EST and will be hoping they can bounce back with a win.
Sources:
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
2019-20 Brooklyn Nets Roster and Stats
Written by:
