Kevin Durant Explains How Friendship With Bradley Beal Made Him More Competitive Against Wizards

The Washington Wizards winning streak right at the beginning of the 2021-22 NBA season was put to a stop when the Brooklyn Nets handed them a 104-90 loss. This was definitely the Nets’ best performance so far, after a humiliating loss against the Charlotte Hornets. Not having Kyrie Irving has had some consequences on the team, but Kevin Durant and James Harden are trying to hold the fort. However, the game wasn’t as simple as it looked, there was a heated moment shared between KD and Bradley Beal.

Bradley Beal brings out a more competitive side to Kevin Durant

Trash-talking has become a part and parcel of the game of basketball. But we usually bear witness to it during more vital and high-intensity games. However, nothing about this season seems to be anything less than that. The matchups have just begun, and so has the talking down to one another.

The Brooklyn Nets started off on the right foot with an 18-point lead, which was topped off with 25 points from Durant, and 21 points off the bench from Patty Mills. Of course, James Harden was an all-rounder, and they only turned over the ball nine times. What helped Kevin Durant get so fired up against the Washington Wizards? Well, Bradley Beal might be the answer.

In a post-game interview, Durant revealed, “Me and Brad were talking a little shit to each other there. He got me on a nice move and I wanted to come back and knock one down. Me and Brad got close this summer with Team USA. When you see one of your friends out there on the floor, you compete a little harder. So, that was one of those moments.”

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Can the Brooklyn Nets survive without Kyrie?

Oct 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) swats the ball away from Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) in front of Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Truthfully, they have no option but to try to pull it off. Last season, injury troubles stopped them from getting deeper into the playoffs, but they did reach far enough. This shouldn’t be an impossible task either.

There is a lot of pressure on Durant and James Harden to carry the team forward. If they succumb to it, it’s all over for the Nets. If not, they’re definitely the team to look out for in the East.

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets Take Major Step Towards Trading Kyrie Irving As Kevin Durant Regains Form

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