Steve Nash won his debut game as Brooklyn Nets head coach, and he was rewarded with the game ball by Kyrie Irving.
The Brooklyn Nets signed superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving over a year ago, and following the firing of Kenny Atkinson, many wondered who would be the man to coach up the team. Shockingly, that answer was Hall-of-Fame point guard Steve Nash, who had no prior coaching experience. The legendary player-turned-coach entered a very favorable situation, and it showed on Tuesday night.
Brooklyn tipped off the 2020-21 NBA season at the Barclays Center and surged to a 125-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Even with Durant and Kyrie’s huge games, the players spoke, and the game ball went to Nash for earning his first win as an NBA head coach.
The first of many wins for Steve Nash?
The Nets made history in the first 12 minutes of game action under Nash. Brooklyn tallied 40 points in the first quarter, which is the most the team had ever put up in a season opener in franchise history. The Nets took the lead and never looked back.
Durant, coming off a ruptured Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals, recorded 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals while shooting 7-of-16 from the field. Irving, on the other hand, tallied 26 points on 16 shots (10 made), 4 assists and 4 rebounds. Perhaps the best move for Nash was having Caris LeVert come off the bench, which was rewarded with a tremendous 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists from the shooting guard.
Prior to this new gig in Brooklyn and following the end of his playing career, Nash served as a consultant on the Warriors. It just so happens that Nash formed a relationship with Durant during his time there.
It’s hard to get your first win as a head coach in your very first game, but Nash did it. Sure, he had the help of two superstars, but a win’s a win, and Nash will never forget it thanks to this memento.