Kevin Durant on Nets' 1-2 Start Without Kyrie Irving: 'We've Got to Figure It Out'

The Brooklyn Nets fell to 1-2 this season after a surprising 111-95 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.

Despite playing without All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, the Nets aren't making excuses for their slow start. Star forward Kevin Durant said it's up to the players who are present to figure out a way to get back on track.

"We definitely want Kyrie Irving out here on the floor, and he's a huge part of what we do, but it's not happening right now, so we've got to figure it out," Durant told reporters after the game. "Nobody is going to lose confidence while we're playing and hope Kyrie comes and saves us during the game."

Durant scored a game-high 38 points on 17-of-24 shooting in Sunday's loss. James Harden was the team's second-leading scorer with 15 points, and no other Brooklyn player scored in double figures. The Nets were outscored 61-37 in the second half as the Hornets improved to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history.

Through three games, the Nets are averaging just 104.3 points per contest. Despite having two All-Stars in Durant and Harden, Brooklyn's supporting cast has not provided much production. Harden, who dealt with a hamstring injury last season, admitted that he's not playing his best.

"I'm just getting my confidence back. I'm a little hesitant," Harden told reporters. "I know you guys can see it."

Sunday's home opener was overshadowed by demonstrators outside the Barclays Center protesting New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate in support of Irving. The Nets are not allowing Irving to be with the team until he gets vaccinated against COVID-19, which the city's mandate requires of pro athletes playing for a local team.

The Nets will look to bounce back Monday at home against the Washington Wizards.