NBA: The Nets eclipse the Suns in Kevin Durant's second return

New York, New York - Kevin Durant returned from injury and the Eastern Conference-leading Brooklyn Nets beat the Phoenix Suns 128-119.

Kevin Durrant posted 33 points off the bench against the Phoenix Suns.
Kevin Durrant posted 33 points off the bench against the Phoenix Suns.  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Durant (32) made his comeback on Sunday following a three-game absence due to a thigh contusion, the former NBA MVP posting 33 points off the bench.

Nets superstar Durant was 12-for-21 shooting, including two-for-three from three-point range, while tallying six rebounds, four assists and two steals in 28 minutes.

Kyrie Irving had 34 points (10-of-19 shooting) and 12 assists as the star-studded Nets – still without James Harden (hamstring) – improved to 41-20.

NBA star Jontay Porter hit with lifetime ban after probe uncovers "cardinal sin"
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Devin Booker's 36 points and a Deandre Ayton double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds were not enough for the high-flying Suns (42-18) in Brooklyn.

The Nets take on the Raptors on Tuesday evening, while Phoenix has another New York opponent coming up tonight when they face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Around the NBA

Russell Westbrook notched up 14 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in the Wizards' win over the Cavaliers.
Russell Westbrook notched up 14 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds in the Wizards' win over the Cavaliers.  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

Two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points and 14 rebounds, but the Milwaukee Bucks still lost 111-104 to the Atlanta Hawks.

Double-doubles from Terry Rozier, P.J. Washington, and Cody Martin inspired the Charlotte Hornets to a 125-104 victory at home to the Boston Celtics.

Stephen Curry's 37 points, seven rebounds and four assists helped the Golden State Warriors hold off the Sacramento Kings 117-113. Curry has scored at least 30 points for the 13th time in 14 games, his 30th 30-point display of the season.

Orlando Magic's season has gone from bad to worse after rookie Devin Cannady suffered a gruesome ankle injury. The short-handed and struggling Magic tasted a fifth consecutive defeat – beaten 131-112 by the Indiana Pacers. Cannady sustained an open fracture of his right ankle in the opening quarter after landing awkwardly.

Robert Covington was far from his best in the Portland Trail Blazers' 120-113 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. In 38 minutes, Covington missed all seven of his field goals, including 0-for-four from three-point range, as he finished with two points.

The Washington Wizards claimed their eighth successive victory after topping the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-110.

Washington are in the midst of their longest streak since December 2001, during Hall of Famer Michael Jordan's time with the franchise. The Lakers will be trying to snap that tonight at the Amway Center.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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