Nets forward Kevin Durant did not disappoint in his return to the hardwood at Barclays Center as the 12-time NBA All-Star dropped 31 points in a 113–107 loss against a limited Heat squad on Thursday.
Durant, who finished 10-of-21 from the floor, also grabbed four rebounds and dished four assists in Brooklyn’s loss. Miami was without Jimmy Butler (toe), P.J. Tucker (knee) and Kyle Lowery due to personal reasons.
Thursday marked Durant’s first game since Jan. 15 when suffered a sprained MCL, causing him to miss 21 games. In Durant’s absence, the Nets went just 5–16 and underwent roster turnover when James Harden was traded to the 76ers for Ben Simmons and others in return.