Things are heating up within the NBA as the play-in tournament starts on Tuesday night.
The first games feature the Brooklyn Nets taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers while the Minnesota Timberwolves are battling against the Los Angeles Clippers.
While anyone can win these well-matched games, the past suggests that the Nets might have an advantage because of their secret weapon: Kevin Durant.
The play-in starts today.
KD has won 17 of 19 vs Cavs, going back to his Warriors days.
PG is 3-0 vs Timberwolves this season. pic.twitter.com/DOAf7YDuZK
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 12, 2022
According to StatMuse, Durant has won 17 of 19 going against the Cavaliers, dating back to his days playing for the Golden State Warriors.
Does this mean that the Nets are guaranteed to take down the Cavs and secure the seventh seed in the East?
Or is Durant about to be surprised by the ferocity of this youthful, empowered team?
Kev Vs The Cavs
While it’s true that Durant has dominated the Cavaliers for a few years now, this is a completely different Cavs team.
They have a much better roster than they have in years, including Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, Kevin Love, and more.
Because of them, Cleveland had a season that far surpassed the last few.
For a while, they were much higher than the eighth seed.
They even reached the three spot for a while before a series of injuries and bad losses sank them.
With that being said, Durant is in fine form yet again.
He is averaging 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists a game – all incredible numbers.
The rest of his Nets team is also doing great work and is ready to surge into the postseason.
Even if the Nets do win, the Cavs have another chance at securing a spot in the postseason later this week when they take on the winner of the 9-10 game.
However, there is no doubt that they’d rather take down Durant and his Nets instead.
NEXT: Cavaliers Ready To Lean On Rajon Rondo In The Postseason