Shorthanded Nets snap losing streak thanks to newcomers

The Brooklyn Nets' losing streak ended at 11 on Monday with a 109-85 win against the Sacramento Kings, despite the team being without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons.

Instead, it was guard Seth Curry who led Brooklyn in scoring with 23 points, while center Andre Drummond led the team in rebounds with nine. Curry and Drummond were acquired by the Nets last week in a blockbuster trade that sent former NBA MVP James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers and Simmons to Brooklyn.

Durant is still out of action due to an MCL sprain suffered in January, while Irving is barred from playing home games in Brooklyn due to New York's rules about unvaccinated players. Simmons was in attendance Monday, but was ruled out while he works on "competition reconditioning."

Despite the recent struggles, mounting injuries, and the part-time availability of Irving, the Nets are still a favorite to win the 2022 NBA Finals.

The win improved the Nets to 30-27 on the year while the Kings slid to 22-37.