The Brooklyn Nets lost 123-117 to the Toronto Raptors on Friday, but that was far from the big story given what else they were dealing with throughout the game.
Just before tipoff, Kevin Durant wasn’t allowed to start the game due to health and safety protocols. Then was cleared to play, making his first appearance off the bench in an NBA game — only to be pulled again in the third quarter and ruled out for the remainder of the night due to health and safety protocols.
Here’s what James Harden, Joe Harris and Jeff Green had to say about the events of the night on their respective Zoom calls with reporters after Friday’s fiasco:
James Harden
Credit: Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports
Harden’s initial remarks on the situation: “I was frustrated, especially [since] we follow the protocols, we get tested every single day, so I don’t understand the whole thing where he couldn’t play and then he came on a court, and then they took him back — there’s just a lot going on. There’s too much going on. It’s kind of overwhelming, especially when we’re in the midst of a tough game. These games are going to add up. After being asked if he’s talked to Durant about the situation: “He feels the same ay, especially him already having it. … If we’re talking about contact tracing, he’s was around all of us. So, I don’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to play and then was able to play and then taken back off the court. If that was the case, we should’ve just been postponed the game. That’s how I feel.” When asked if he asked questions about what was going on with Durant during the game: “I said what was going on and they just said contact tracing. I’m thinking to myself, ‘Well if it’s contact tracing, then we’re all in the locker room together. That means there’s no game if he’s not gonna be able to play. So that was my thought process, and once we started the game, I kind of forgot about it. Then Kevin enters the game and I’m like, there must’ve been confusion or something messed up.”
Harris
Credit: Frank Franklin II – AP Photo
Harris’ initial remarks: “Confusing, frustrating, I mean, it’s bizarre, right? For him to not start, but then be able to come in, play, and then be taken out again. It really just doesn’t make any sense.” When asked is he’s given thought to what Durant’s situation may mean to the team from a contact-tracing standpoint: “I would’ve said, ‘Hey, if he’s sitting for contact tracing, I mean, what the hell? He’s with all of us on the court.'” When asked about how Friday highlights the issue with the league having an All-Star game. “I’m not the one making the decisions. I just work here.”
Green
Credit: Frank Franklin II – AP Photo
Green’s initial remarks: “I don’t know, I don’t get it. It’s frustrating, obviously. They let him play and then they take him out — I don’t know. I don’t get it. It’s this protocl they have We just want answers. But, you know …. I don’t know, I ain’t got nothing for you right now.”
