‘Barclays Beef’: Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant Reflects on the Rivalry with New York Knicks

A month ago, Brooklyn Nets were the clear favorites to win the NBA title. However, the same thing that kept them from topping the regular-season rankings kept them from advancing to the conference finals too; the injuries. But none of that stopped Kevin Durant from shining like the brightest star.

Without argument, KD pulled the league’s greatest comeback from an Achilles injury. Although his hamstring issues further marred the 2020-21 season and kept him out of play for 37 games, he covered for that during the playoffs. But certainly, none of that made the 11x All-Star feel any better than the intensity that the fans showcased.

Kevin Durant in awe with Brooklyn Nets vs Knicks rivalry

In a recent interview, the 32-YO reflected on the season and revealed how the loss took the sheen off his individual performance. He talked about his 48-point game and wisely accepted that it was nothing special because it did not bring them a W. Later, he moved on to praise the electrifying atmosphere that the Nets vs Knicks fans in NY generated.

The 4x scoring champion added, “It was fun, man. Especially with the Knicks playing and us playing… we’ve got two teams in the playoffs and Knicks, Nets fans got a little beef right now because both teams are solid. We’ve got the Madison Square Garden, Barclays beef as well in the city. So it just felt like a lot of energy, man. You look in our stands, you’re seeing superstars there — Beyoncé, Jay-Z, H.E.R., Bryan Cranston … Travis Scott.”

May 23, 2021; Knicks fans are on their feet during a playoff game against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Seth Wenig/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Interestingly, the first love of NY might always be the Knicks, but the Nets can affect that with a title win. Also, this comment from KD hinted that he’s liking it in Brooklyn and that he is there to stay. 

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What is the 2021-22 season bringing with it?

If the Nets were hungry for a championship in 2020-21, they’re perhaps dying for one now. Last season, they had the excuse that Kyrie Irving injured his ankle and that James Harden played as an unfit self. But this time around, they’d have none of that to hide behind.

Jun 15, 2021; Kevin Durant reacts  against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Plus, Kevin Durant is leading Team USA’s Olympics campaign, and this only proves how he is very confident of his ongoing form. The 2x Champion averaged his playoff career-high 34.3 points and 9.3 rebounds while also being a force on the defensive end.

They will most probably have Spencer Dinwiddie back in the squad too, making them a crazy roster.

So, there is no way a Knicks team or for that matter even the ECF champion from 2020-21 to stand tall against one such team. But again, it will be on coach Steve Nash to learn from his shortcomings and help the team management in a better way.

So what’s your take, will Kevin Durant and the Nets lift a title in the coming season? Help us know in the comments.

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