The formidable trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are expected to start together only for the eighth time when they play against Chicago Bulls. The final couple of games are crucial for the Nets if they are to seal the second seed in the Eastern Conference with the Bucks right on their tail.
The famed trio last started together on February 13 against the Golden State Warriors in a 134-117 win. If all is well, they will start together on the court for the eighth time, Steve Nash affirmed.
“If everything stays the same,” coach Steve Nash said after Friday afternoon’s practice, “those three will play tomorrow.”
Recurring injuries at bad timings are one of the few reasons that Steve Nash has been unable to unleash them together.
Ever since Harden’s high profile move from the Rockets, one of the trio has always been facing an injury issue.
Harden and Irving have played in 19 games together. Durant and Irving have played in 17 games. Harden and Durant have played in just three games as a pair.
Harden and Durant’s third game together was their recent win over San Antonio Spurs, which also marked Harden’s return from injury and his first game since April 5.
Coach Nash expects the players to build more chemistry as they headed into the much-awaited postseason period.
“It’s been few and far between,” Nash said. “I don’t necessarily have any expectations other than it gives us an opportunity to gel and play together and feel what it’s like to be out there again.”
Players apart from Harden-Durant-Irving also making their presence for the Nets
Other members of the Nets squad have done a solid job in the absence of a member from the big three.
One of them include their latest acquisition, Blake Griffin, who has been influential off the bench for the franchise. He is yet to take the court alongside the trio.
“I’m just happy they are on the floor,” forward Jeff Green said. “We’re getting to finally try to create a rhythm with all guys healthy. We’ll see what happens from there. We have a long week to prepare for whomever we play. For those guys, it will be good. For us, it will be good to get a look and see where we are at when everybody is healthy.”
The Nets will have to win both of their remaining games, at home against Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers to secure second seed in the Eastern Conference over Milwaukee Bucks.
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