Both Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard return to their former places for the first time since they got traded. Damian Lillard return to Portland fell short with a 119-116 loss. On the other hand Kevin Durant and his Phoenix Suns beat the Brooklyn Nets 136-120.
Durant heard some cheers in pregame introductions and scored 33 points in his return to Brooklyn. With his mother watching courtside, he was given a brief tribute video before the game that was met with some cheers from fans.
Later on he heard some boos when he touched the ball. Durant shot 10-16 from the field and made 11-12 free throws; also finished with eight assists, five rebounds and two blocks.
Jusuf Nurkic added 28 points and 11 rebounds while Devin Booker had 22 points along with eight assists for the Suns. Cam Thomas scored 25 points and Mikal Bridges had 21 for the Nets.
Damian Lillard had 25 points and seven assists in his return to Portland. This is first time returning to Portland after playing 11 seasons in Portland. Lillard shot 9-23 from the field, including 3-13 from the 3-point range.
Simons put the Trail Blazers ahead with a floater with 17.6 seconds left and Jerami Grant added two free throws with 4.6 seconds to go as Portland won its second straight game.
Deandre Ayton had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points and eight rebounds, Lillard had 25 points and seven assists and Khris Middleton had 21 points and eight assists for the Bucks.
Credit photos – AP
