Former MVP Kevin Durant scored 49 points to guide Brooklyn Nets to a 114-108 win against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinal on Tuesday local time. Playing all 48 minutes, Durant produced 17 rebounds 10 assists, two blocks and three steals. He became the first player since Lebron James in 2018 to play all the minutes of a playoff game.
The Conference semi-final series stands at 3-2, favouring the Nets.
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“Kevin Durant put on one of the greatest performances in NBA playoff history scoring 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists and leading his shorthanded Nets to victory taking a 3-2 lead,” NBA legend Magic Johnson tweeted.
Durant became the only player in NBA history to record 45+ points, 15+ rebounds and 10+ assists in a playoff game.
Nets overcame a 17-point, third-quarter deficit as Durant set a franchise record for points in a playoff game. The record was held by Vince Carter (43 in 2006). He scored 31 of his points in the final 18:38 when the Nets outscored Milwaukee, 54-32.
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The Bucks tied the game at 104 with 2:24 minutes remaining. But two free throws by James Harden saw the Nets take the lead. Durant scored a three-pointer and three free throws in the final 50.5 seconds.
Brooklyn’s Jeff Green scored 27 points as Blake Griffin chipped in 17 points.
For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo top-scored with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Khris Middleton produced 25 points and Holiday scored 19.
