Kevin Durant’s highly anticipated return to Brooklyn brought a mix of cheers and boos, but it was the Phoenix Suns (28-20) who silenced the crowd with relentless offense, securing a 136-120 victory against the struggling Nets (19-28).
Durant, playing his first game in Brooklyn since the trade to Phoenix, showcased his skills with 33 points and eight assists, leaving little for Nets fans to celebrate.
The Suns, led by Durant, Devin Booker (22 points, eight assists), and Jusuf Nurkic (28 points and 11 rebounds), demonstrated their championship aspirations with a dominant second half.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Suns’ offensive onslaught. Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker IV contributed with 21 and 19 points, respectively.
The absence of Ben Simmons, sidelined with a bruised left knee, further weakened the Nets, who struggled to match up against the Suns’ size and rebounding prowess.
