Full-strength Nets flex muscles in Bulls romp

Kevin Durant knew the rest of the league had to be watching, curious to see just how good the Brooklyn Nets can be when they have all their superstars playing.

Well, here's the answer.

Durant scored 27 points, James Harden added 25 points and a season-high 16 assists, and Brooklyn rolled to an easy win over Chicago, beating the Bulls 138-112 Wednesday night in a matchup between the Eastern Conference's top two teams.

Durant had 17 points in the third to help Brooklyn break open a game that was tied at 71-all early in the quarter. The Nets silenced a raucous crowd and came away with the win with all three superstars in the lineup for just the second time.

"We're trying to make no statements to the league," Durant said. "I mean, who cares what they think. We know what we bring to the table, and it's all about us. But I'm sure people were watching the game tonight."

Kyrie Irving scored nine in his third game. The seven-time All-Star has refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine and is barred from suiting up in New York due to the city's mandate.

But Durant dominated over 30 minutes and finished with nine assists. Harden hit five 3-pointers. Patty Mills scored 21 and nailed 6 of 8 from beyond the arc, helping Brooklyn come out on top after losing five of seven.

The Nets also avoided a three-game sweep by the Bulls. More than anything, they showed how dangerous they can be when they have all their best players available. That hasn't happened often over the past two years.

"We're that good," Harden said. "We have a chance to be that good. We just haven't had enough of it."

Zach LaVine scored 22. DeMar DeRozan added 19 points. But Chicago lost for the second time in three games after winning nine straight to match its best run since the end of the 2010-11 regular season. The Bulls also had their nine-game home win streak snapped.

"I think our guys have worked hard up to this point to be where we are in the standings, and with that there's a greater responsibility," coach Billy Donovan said.

Agencies Via Xinhua