COVID-19 Outbreak Fails to Stop Brooklyn Nets as They Beat Toronto Raptors With Just 8 Players

(Photo : Sarah Stier/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Kevin Durant #7 high-fives Patty Mills #8 of the Brooklyn Nets during overtime against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on December 14, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 131-129.

Not even a COVID-19 outbreak can stop the Brooklyn Nets as they pulled off a dramatic 131-129 win over the Toronto Raptors with just eight players on Tuesday night. Kevin Durant played 48 minutes to help the Nets overcome the loss of six players to the NBA's health and safety protocols within an hour of tipoff.

No Harden, no problem for Nets

Guard Jevon Carter and forwards LaMarcus Aldridge, James Johnson, and DeAndre' Bembry were among those sidelined for the Nets on game day. James Harden and Bruce Brown were already in the facility preparing for the game, but both players were shocked when they were also placed on the protocols list.

Most teams could have quit right there and then with that massive loss of key players. Not these Nets, though, who displayed incredible resolve in the face of adversity. Durant and Patty Mills led the way for the depleted Nets, combining for 64 points to secure Brooklyn's third straight win.

Durant put on quite a show for the Nets, recording a triple-double with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. Mills scored 30 points on 10 of 20 shooting from the field. He also had four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 43 minutes of action.

It was Mills' fourth career 30-point outing and his first as a member of the Brooklyn Nets. He last scored at least 30 points back in November 2019 when he was still playing for the San Antonio Spurs. Mills made the play of the game against the Raptors, knocking down a 3-pointer to force overtime.

Durant and Mills provided the much-needed veteran presence for a Nets team that played four rookies against the Raptors. The rookies did not let the vets down as they played some inspired basketball against Toronto.

Rookies take center stage for depleted Nets

Kessler Edwards registered a double-double in just his third NBA game, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He shot 7-of-12 from the floor and 3-of-6 from deep in 44 minutes of action. David Duke Jr., who started in place of Harden, also had a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 boards. Day'Ron Sharpe and Cam Thomas also contributed, adding seven and four points, respectively.

The Nets looked like they were on their way to losing their eighth game of the season after Toronto built a 100-91 advantage entering the fourth quarter. Brooklyn's eight-man team refused to surrender, though, outscoring Toronto, 29-20, in the fourth to force overtime.

The extra period was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams having opportunities to capture the win. The Raptors nearly stole the victory in the end, but Scottie Barnes' game-winning three at the buzzer rimmed out after hitting the glass.