On Jan. 20, the Nets narrowly beat the Wizards 119-118 on the road. Irving scored 30 points and seven assists in this game, setting a new personal high for the season, and his plus-minus of +13 is the highest in the game. On 7-of-21 shooting, Harden made eight turnovers and scored only 18 points. Irving and Aldridge saved the Nets. Today, Irving has made some adjustments and seems to have found his peak state.
The Nets' recent situation has not been good, this game against the Wizards, the Nets are determined to win, coach Nash deliberately compressed the rotation lineup, only 8 players to play. Bearded Harden didn't feel good in this game, but fortunately Irving, Mills, Sharp and Aldridge were in good shape.
The Nets played 33-28 in the first quarter. Irving was very active in this battle, and he fully demonstrated his offensive kaleidoscope characteristics, frequently using heads-up points.
In the second quarter, Irving played more excitedly, helping the Nets open the score. At the end of the second quarter, Irving scored a picturesque head-to-head score. He launched a quick attack into the front, but did not have a chance to make a layup immediately, forming a head-to-head situation with Dinwiddie. Irving dribbled and pretended to break through, then a turn back jumper hit a shot. In the next leg, Irving and Aldridge played a block to become a single Kuzma, who dribbled the ball to the middle and then stepped back to score on a jumper. This series of movements is very ethereal, and Owen feels as smooth as silk.
The Nets multi-point blossomed 41-34 in the second quarter. The Nets led by 12 points 74-62 in the first half. The Wizards chased the Nets in the second half, especially in the final quarter, when Harrell, Kuzma and Beal teamed up to chase points. Fortunately, Irving and Aldridge led the team to withstand the pressure and eventually won by one point.
Irving is back and his singles offense is picturesque. Good news for the Nets. Irving has once again stated that he will not be vaccinated, which means that Irving can only play away games at the Nets this season. Even so, the Nets need Irving to improve their record. From the Nets' Oct. 20 opener to the present, Irving has experienced being hidden in the snow to play, and finally returned to his peak form in 92 days.
After this game, the Nets record is 28-16 and continues to chase the Heat and Bulls. The Nets now desperately need Harden to find his best form, after all, at home, Irving can not play, can only rely on the bearded single core to lead the team.
Regarding the win, Nets coach Nash said after the game: "I think we just did enough defense to win the game. ”