OKC Thunder seek 5th win in a row with Nets, KD and Harden on tap

Key matchup:

The question is how long the Nets will be willing to take this laid-back approach. They can turn to Durant with the game on the line and typically win more than they lose. However, if they aren’t developing positive habits as a team will that catch up with them? What if Durant twists an ankle and has to miss a game? A postseason series could be won or lost on that happening.

It’s a given Brooklyn will be a title contender almost solely because of Durant. But I raise the issue because they aren’t standing out (so far) on either end of the court.

Unlike the Heat, 76ers, or Bucks I can’t point to either end of the hardwood where they look dominant.  In the games when push comes to shove they all look for Durant to take the shot that would win it all — I mean, the Nets and KD are a great bet.

The other former OKC Thunder star James Harden probably still has nightmares about Luguentz Dort from the playoffs in the Disney bubble. He started the season off rough but had arguably his most efficient week of the season as he continues to get into game shape.

He looked like the MVP version of Harden in Toronto last Sunday. That contest either took a lot out of him or playing back-to-back sets doesn’t agree with him as he was 4 of 11 versus the Bulls on Monday although he did connect on 3 of his 7 deep balls.

Harden followed that up with a triple-double versus the Magic and a 39 point, 12 assist double-double versus the Pelicans on Friday.