Nets clobber Raptors, book playoff berth

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for 26 points as the Brooklyn Nets became the first Eastern Conference team to punch their playoff ticket on Tuesday with a 116-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

The Nets overturned a six-point deficit with just under 10 minutes remaining in the final quarter to pull away for a win which leaves them on top of the conference with 42 wins and 20 defeats.

Durant finished with 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks while Irving ended with nine points on a night when seven Brooklyn players posted double-digit points totals.

Jeff Green led the Brooklyn scoring with 22 points while Blake Griffin delivered another solid performance with 17 points from 22 minutes on court. Joe Harris had 16 points while Landry Shamet had 14 off the bench.

Toronto’s Kyle Lowry led the scoring for the 2019 NBA champions with 24 points while OG Anunoby had 21.

Nets coach Steve Nash saluted his team’s character for securing a playoff place despite injuries which have prevented their big three of Durant, James Harden and Irving from playing together regularly this season.

“We have our eyes on bigger things but it’s a nice first step to clinch a berth,” Nash said. “For this group, facing all we’ve faced to be in this position with 10 games left is very positive.”

Nash meanwhile singled out Griffin for praise following his important 17-point cameo. “Blake’s been great,” Nash said.

“His I.Q., his toughness, his physicality, his willingness to give up his body and be physical. It’s a different role for him than being asked to carry or produce – he’s a complementary player now and he’s accepted that with joy and pride. He’s been great.”

In Charlotte, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks solidified their hold on third place in the Eastern Conference with a 114-104 win over the Hornets.