Kevin Durant finally makes debut for the Nets, returns to court after incredible 552 days

Kevin Durant has finally made his debut for the Brooklyn Nets. Durant, who missed the entire season after his Achilles injury during the NBA Finals against Toronto Raptors, had to wait a few more months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Durant contracted the virus in March, and was not amongst players who travelled to the NBA bubble. However, with Kyrie Irving and Durant both back on the court, the Nets are now being considered title contenders for 2021. 

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Durant returns to the NBA court after a 552-day wait

"Man, it felt good," Durant said while speaking to Yes Network, happy to be back after June 10, 2019. Durant joined the Nets last year during the offseason, leaving the Golden State Warriors even though he was injured. Later, Durant added that while he knows the circumstances are different now, he hopes fans enjoyed watching the game on TV. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic still going on, the NBA will have no (or limited number) of fans in attendance. While Durant will be back, he won't be able to play against an audience he is used to. He even spoke about being anxious and nervous, as this is the moment he though about for so long. 

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Dwyane Wade on Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant Nets debut

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Nets vs Wizards preseason game: KD, Irving beat Wizards 119-114

Though Durant might have been a little nervous, he dropped 15 points during their game against the Wizards. He played around 24 minutes, helping the Nets with a 119-114 score. Steve Nash – the new head coach – spoke about Durant's debut, stating that while it is one thing to be back, it is something else to return and look "explosive". 

Durant and Irving were together for nine minutes and 27 seconds. Durant went 3-for-3 from the field during that time, while Irving scored 12 points on 5-for-6 from the field. The Nets took a 30-18 lead after that, extending it to 26 points during the second period. Russell Westbrook, who would have made his debut with the Wizards, sat the game out. 

• Kyrie Irving points: 18 PTS, 1 REB, 4 ASTS
• Rui Hachimura points: 18 PTS, 4 REBS
• Troy Brown Jr points: 14 PTS, 6 REBS, 5 ASTS
• Kevin Durant points: 15 PTS. 3 REBS, 3 ASTS
• Deni Avdija points: 15 PTS, 4 REBS, 2 ASTS
• Spencer Dinwiddie points: 10 PTS, 6 REBS, 7 ASTS
• Thomas Bryant points: 10 PTS, 5 REBS, 5 ASTS
• Raul Neto points: 17 PTS, 3 REBS, 6 ASTS
• Moritz Wagner points: 13 PTS, 7 REBS
• Landry Shamet points: 13 PTS, 3 REBS
• Taurean Prince points: 11 PTS, 2 REBS, 1 AST

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(Image credits: AP)