3 Nets that need to step up with injuries to Kyrie Irving and James Harden

1. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has faced criticism for not being able to carry a team on his own.

He chased a ring with the Golden State Warriors by joining an already-championship-caliber roster. In Brooklyn, he was joined by stars like Irving and Harden.

There should be no shame in welcoming talent around you, but Durant wants to be seen as the best. This is his chance to prove that he’s the man, with or without his co-stars.

It’s time for Durant to impose his will. It’s time for him to bring his best to the table.

His best didn’t arrive in Game 4 when Irving went down injured, as he shot 36 percent from the field and went 1-for-8 from 3-point range.

P.J. Tucker is getting a lot of credit for slowing him down. When he was Durant’s primary defender, the Nets star had 9 points and hit just 25 percent of his shots.

Durant should view that as a personal challenge. It shouldn’t matter who is guarding him. If Durant is as good as he wants people to think he is (which he absolutely is), it won’t matter. With control of the series on the line in Game 5, the stage is set.