Durant’s triple-double rallies Nets past 76ers 114-109

PHILADELPHIA,-- Ben Simmons was not there. Joel Embiid admitted that he shouldn't have played. Philadelphia's All-Star cornerstones were either injured or absent so Kevin Durant and Brooklyn had an opening to ruin the 76ers' opening with a rally down their stretch.

Durant’s triple-double rallies Nets past 76ers 114-109

PHILADELPHIA,-- Ben Simmons was not there. Joel Embiid admitted that he shouldn't have played. Philadelphia's All-Star cornerstones were either injured or absent so Kevin Durant and Brooklyn had an opening to ruin the 76ers' opening with a rally down their stretch.

Durant scored 29 points, had 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. James Harden scored 20 and the Nets won 114-109 against the 76ers on Friday night. Each team was without their star guard.

Durant stated, "My role tonight was getting in the paint, making plays." "We have to continue building on this and seeing where we can go."

The Nets were without Kyrie Irving. He isn't with them due to refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Ben Simmons missed the home opener due to personal reasons. The Sixers don't know when the three-time All-Star, will be back.

They could have used Simmons defense to stop the Nets from closing down too late.

Early in Brooklyn's run, the Sixers gave up airballs on consecutive possessions. LaMarcus Aldridge's dunk in 48 seconds made it 108-108. He made the free throw to take the lead at one point.

Durant made two free shots to end Brooklyn's 14-point deficit.

Steve Nash, Nets coach, said that while we made many plays down the stretch it was more due to our willingness and determination to continue. Their willingness to compete is what won them the game.

Embiid scored 19 on a sore right leg he suffered in the first game against New Orleans. He was forced to leave the locker room at the end of the first period on Friday. After warming up with a wrap for his knee, Embiid returned to the court and started the third quarter. Seth Curry and Tobias Harris each scored 23 points each for the Sixers.

"I probably shouldn’t have played, but it’s good to be out with the guys," Embiid stated.

Simmons has not played since the offseason trade request. Before the shootaround, he met with the Sixers. Coach Doc Rivers stated that it was a productive day and hoped it would be a step towards bringing Simmons back in the fold.

The No. 1 target for Sixers fans derision was the 25-year old Australian. The No. 1 target of Sixers fans' derision, they came dressed as mockers to the absentee guard. A Mister Softee Tshirt was the most popular, with an ice cream swirl on Simmons’ head. Another fan wore a clown wig with a clown nose and taped "CLOWN” over his No. 25 Simmons jersey. Parking lots were filled with Simmons bootleg T-shirts.

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