The Brooklyn Nets started their four-game road trip on a winning note, beating the Dallas Mavericks in thrilling come-from-behind fashion on Tuesday night. The Nets battled back from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to record a 102-99 victory over the Mavs.
Nets stun Mavs with fourth-quarter rally
Kevin Durant and James Harden ensured the Nets would not lose back-to-back games for the first time this season, carrying the scoring cudgels in the second half to inspire Brooklyn's comeback. Durant finished the game with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Harden came one rebound shy of another triple-double, recording 23 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.
The Mavs had the game under control as they entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 11-point lead. Unfortunately for head coach Jason Kidd, his Dallas players went ice cold in the fourth quarter. In the payoff period, they were outscored by the Nets, 27-13.
Durant took charge down the stretch, scoring 11 points on 5 of 6 shooting in the final quarter. Patty Mills also knocked down critical baskets for the Nets, connecting back-to-back 3-pointers that sliced the Mavs' lead to three points early in the fourth.
Dallas struggled mightily from beyond the arc, missing 37 of its 46 3-point attempts against Brooklyn. Luka Doncic shot 3 of 11 from deep while Kristaps Porzingis went just 1 of 5 from 3-point land. Tim Hardaway Jr. missed all seven of his three-point attempts against the Nets, including a deep shot at the buzzer that could have sent the game into overtime.
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Heavy minutes are a growing concern for Harden and Durant
There is a growing concern with the minutes being afforded to Durant and Harden. Durant played 40 minutes and 30 seconds in Tuesday's win against Dallas, including all 24 minutes in the second half.
The 33-year-old is ranked among the top 10 in the NBA in minutes played this campaign, averaging 36.2 per game this season. That is the most Durant has played since his 2013-14 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Harden also logged heavy minutes in the win against the Mavs. He saw action for 41 minutes and 35 seconds in Dallas. Like Durant, Harden is also in the top 10 in minutes played, averaging 35.9 per game this season.
Harden and Durant have been given a heavy workload to start the season, with Kyrie Irving still sidelined because of his reluctance to get the COVID-19 vaccine. That may not be sustainable, though, with Harden and Durant more susceptible to injuries at this stage of their careers.
Just two and a half years ago, Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon and came off a busy summer where he represented the United States in the Tokyo Olympics. Harden encountered hamstring issues last season, limiting him to just 44 games in the 2020-21 campaign. He was hampered in the playoffs with that injury as well, contributing to the Nets' early exit.
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