LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell and more NBA players react to Kevin Durant's historic playoff performance

Jordan Greer

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LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell and more NBA players react to Kevin Durant's historic playoff performance image

Kyrie Irving wasn't available. James Harden was clearly struggling as he played through a hamstring injury. The Nets trailed the Bucks by 16 points at halftime. 

But Brooklyn did have Kevin Durant, and in Tuesday night's pivotal Game 5, that was enough. The former NBA MVP delivered a historic playoff performance in the Nets' 114-108 win. He rang up 49 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocks while shooting 16 of 23 from the field, 4 of 9 from 3-point range and 13 of 16 at the free throw line.

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Durant became the first player in postseason history with at least 45 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, per ESPN Stats and Info. Oh, and by the way, he also played all 48 minutes of Game 5.

"I mean, it's ridiculous what he's able to do," Nets coach Steve Nash said. "I think we know he's capable of nights like this, but to do it tonight — we lose Ky. James obviously is soldiering through his ailments. We're down bodies. We're wounded, and for him to have the toughness, the mentality, that's what makes him one of the all-time greats.

"This was a performance that — a signature performance for Kevin, and it was beautiful to watch."

Brooklyn forward Jeff Green, who came up big with 27 points off the bench, put it simply when discussing Durant's spectacular showing: "The world is witnessing, once again, who the best player in the world is."

Players around the league, including LeBron James and Donovan Mitchell, shared their appreciation of Durant as he torched Milwaukee. Here are some of the best reactions:

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.