Kyrie Irving's 17-point fourth elevates Nets to 145-141 win over Hawks

NEW YORK (AP) — Kyrie Irving shook off three rough quarters to score 17 of his 25 points in the fourth, Kevin Durant had 33 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and the Brooklyn Nets handed the Atlanta Hawks their first loss with a 145-141 victory on Wednesday night.

In the opener of a two-game series between the teams that was almost entirely about offense -- the third game in Nets franchise history where both teams had 100 points through three quarters -- Irving couldn’t get into the act. He was just 3 for 16 from the field and getting badly outplayed by point guard counterpart Trae Young.

But he made three 3-pointers in the final period after missing all seven through three as the Nets rallied to win after dropping two straight following their 2-0 start.

Young had 30 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, and John Collins had 30 points and 10 rebounds. But it wasn’t enough for the Hawks, who had won their first three for the first time since 2016.

Bogdan Bogdanovic made six 3-pointers and scored 22 points and Cam Reddish had 20 for the Hawks, who led for most of the first three quarters but never by too much because the Nets -- except Irving -- were just as hot.

Brooklyn put seven players in double figures, with Joe Harris adding 23 points.

The teams play again in Brooklyn on Friday night. >> Read more

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