Kevin Durant Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant

In what was arguably the best performance of his career, Kevin Durant finished with 49 points on 16-for-23 shooting, along with 17 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks for the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Tuesday night.

Harden played all 48 minutes in Brooklyn’s 114-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, giving the Nets a crucial 3-2 lead in this best-of-seven series. However, the Nets will need another bite at the cherry as the Bucks forced Game 7 with a 104-89 win in Game 6.

The Nets, who went into Game 5 without Kyrie Irving after he suffered a sprained right ankle in the second quarter of Game 4 (and there’s no certainty as to when he will be able to return), had to rally from a 17-point deficit to secure the win on the night and to go within one more win of a series win.

Harden himself was on the court for the first time since suffering a hamstring strain just 43 seconds into Game 1, which only emphasizes just how big a performance he produced on Tuesday.


Nash Praise

Brooklyn had to overcome a 16-point halftime deficit to ensure that they took the lead in the series, and coach Steve Nash deserves credit for deciding to keep Durant on the court for the duration.

“It’s ridiculous what he’s able to do,” Nash said. “We know he’s capable of nights like this, but to do it tonight … we lose [Irving], James obviously is going through his ailments, we’re down bodies, we’re wounded. And for him to have that toughness, that mentality, that’s what makes him one of the all-time greats.

“This is a performance that’s a signature performance for Kevin, and it was beautiful to watch.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who responded with 34 points and 12 rebounds of his own for the Bucks, summed up Harden’s performance on the night by saying, “You know, he’s the best player in the world right now.”


NBA Championship Odds

The Nets can also be backed at -120 to be 2021 Eastern Conference Champions, with the Philadelphia 76ers at +275, the Bucks at +350 and Atlanta Hawks at +1400 at Mybookie AG which also has a $1,000 sportsbook bonus for new customers.


NBA Eastern Conference Odds

The Nets are the favorites to win the 2021 NBA Championship at odds of +180 with Bovada. The Bucks can be backed at +650 to be champions.

Darren Moore
Writer

Darren lives & breathes sports betting and is always sniffing out his next value bet. His favourite sports to bet on are the NFL, horse racing and UFC but he will bet on anything if he thinks the odds are favourable.