You could definitely make a case that the Brooklyn Nets were the Milwaukee Bucks’ biggest challenger during their historic 2021 NBA Finals run. In fact, Kevin Durant and Co. were just a half shoe size away from defeating Milwaukee in Game 7 of their second-round playoffs matchup.
Even Bucks fans remember that moment well.
Brooklyn Nets Were ‘Killing’ Milwaukee Bucks
New York Knicks veteran Evan Fournier had a recent podcast appearance wherein he was asked to discuss the toughest offensive player he’s ever had to face in his eventful NBA career. The 31-year-old pointed toward Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, who incidentally, were the same Big 3 that repped the Nets when they battled against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. in the playoffs in 2021.
Unfortunately for the Nets, injuries got in the way of what should have been a sure-win against the Bucks in that series — at least according to Fournier:
“It did work until motherf***ers got hurt in the playoffs,” Fournier said, “… They nearly was gonna win. I guess, missed opportunity, and then some internal issues that nobody knows. But that summer, they was gonna win, 100 percent. They were killing Milwaukee. Killing.”
Matt Mangano: "Who's the hardest guy you ever guarded?"
Evan Fournier: "Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving or prime James Harden."
Matt: "They were on the same team. Why didn't that work?"
Evan: "It did work until motherf*ckers got hurt in the playoffs… The Nets were going to win.… pic.twitter.com/x3kxYtDJZ0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 30, 2023
Harden was an early casualty of the Milwaukee series after suffering a hamstring injury in Game 1. Irving, on the other hand, landed on Antetokounmpo’s foot in Game 4, forcing the enigmatic guard to miss the remainder of the series with a sprained right ankle.
Without his superstar teammates available, Durant had no other choice but to try and carry his team against the Bucks — and he almost did.
One year ago, the Bucks withstood Kevin Durant's NBA-record 48 points in a Game 7 thriller, beating the Nets, 115-111.
One for the history books 📚 pic.twitter.com/wRvHV09fif
— ESPN (@espn) June 20, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many years have Kyrie Irving been in the NBA?
Kyrie Irving has been in the NBA for 13 years, showcasing his exceptional basketball skills. His career has been marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the teams he has played for. From his early days to his current status as a seasoned player, Irving has proven himself as a prominent figure in the league.
How many teams did James Harden play for?
James Harden has played for a total of five NBA teams including the Clippers. Prior to joining the Clippers, he had stints with the 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Rockets, and Oklahoma City Thunder. As a native of Los Angeles, this move to the Clippers is a homecoming for the 34-year-old basketball star.
