"Our confidence is at the maximum (...) You add KD, Ky, LaMarcus and Joe Harris, and we find four of our best players, who were absent," said Nets point guard James Harden.

Worn by "La Barbe", who had just left the anti-Covid protocol, the leaders of the Eastern Conference (23 wins, 9 losses) have chained two victories in Los Angeles, Saturday against the Lakers (122-115), then against the Clippers Monday (124-108).

Durant could replay Thursday in Brooklyn against the Philadelphia Sixers, after missing three games.

Kyrie Irving, who refuses to be vaccinated, is however still prohibited from participating in home matches, in accordance with the health rules in force in the state of New York.

The point guard has not played for the season, with his franchise indicating in October that they were unwilling to call on him until he was eligible for all fixtures.

However, the Nets changed their mind this month, declaring that Irving's return was possible for travel outside, a day before he entered anti-Covid protocol.

© 2021 AFP