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Kevin Durant is playing like an MVP by every definition of the term, leading the pack essentially a third of the way through the season, perhaps alongside only former teammate and newly crowned 3-point record holder Stephen Curry.

Both stars shone brightly within the city limits on Tuesday night, even if the happenings in Brooklyn were overshadowed by the historic achievement made by a visitor at the Garden.

Durant was the lone member of the team’s Big 3 on the court at Barclays Center due to disparate COVID-19 related reasons, with unvaccinated Kyrie Irving still barred from the arena and James Harden one of seven Nets sidelined due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols.