Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash revealed the designations for Kyrie Irving and James Harden as his team prepares for Game 6 against the Bucks.
Irving, who missed the Nets' victory in Game 5, remains out with his ankle sprain. Nash said the star point guard will not travel to Milwaukee, but instead stay in Brooklyn to receive treatment.
Kyrie Irving remains out for Game 6 between the Nets and Bucks, Steve Nash says. The plan is for Irving to stay back in Brooklyn and get treatment.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 16, 2021
However, the Nets will have James Harden as they try to close out the Bucks in Milwaukee. Nash said Harden is “available” and feels good despite playing 46 minutes on a bad hamstring, per ESPN's Malika Andrews.
Steve Nash says James Harden is available to play in Game 6. Adds that both Harden and Durant feel good after playing 46 and 48 minutes respectively on Tuesday night in Game 5.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 16, 2021
It's not a big surprise to learn Irving is still out. Prior reports suggested the Nets were prepared to play the remainder of the series without him.
However, Harden reportedly feeling good after such a heavy workload is a good sign for the Nets.
Harden was a non-factor in the scoring department on Tuesday night, shooting just 1-for-10 from the field and 0-for-8 from beyond the arc. Still, he gave the Nets another ball-handler and playmaker, finishing with eight assists and soldiering on for his team as Brooklyn stunned the Bucks.
Ultimately, the onus will be on Kevin Durant to once again provide the scoring, while the Bucks will search for answers. Durant was unstoppable on Tuesday, scoring 49 points on 16-for-23 while also pulling down 17 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists. It was one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history in a game the Nets really needed to win.
The Bucks still have a good opportunity to push the series to a Game 7 with Irving out and Harden still essentially on one leg, but Durant might have other plans.
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