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Nets coach Steve Nash defends playing Kevin Durant all 48 minutes
When it came to playing Kevin Durant for all Game 5, Steve Nash said he didn’t really have an option. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Nets coach Steve Nash defends playing Kevin Durant all 48 minutes

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports  |  By Larry Brown  |  Last updated 6/16/21

Kevin Durant went all-out in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday. Steve Nash says that’s the way it had to be.

Durant played all 48 minutes in his Brooklyn Nets’ 114-108 win over the Milwaukee Bucks to take a 3-2 series lead. Nash was asked after the game about Durant’s minutes. He said he didn’t really have an option.

Playing 48 minutes in this era of load management is uncommon. But sometimes the circumstances don’t allow for the luxury of rest. This was one of those times.

Durant had 49 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists and made a great 3-pointer to help win the game.

Durant won’t be able to keep up this type of workload for the entire playoffs, but it could be enough to take home the series.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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