Kevin Durant puts in historic performance as Brooklyn Nets beat Milwaukee Bucks

In doing so, Durant became the first player in NBA history to record at least 45 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a playoff game.

“It’s ridiculous what he’s able to do,” Nash said. “We know he’s capable of nights like this, but to do it tonight … we lose [Irving], James obviously is going through his ailments, we’re down bodies, we’re wounded. And for him to have that toughness, that mentality, that’s what makes him one of the all-time greats.

“This is a performance that’s a signature performance for Kevin, and it was beautiful to watch.”

All on him

After Irving suffered an ankle injury in Game Four and with Harden making his first appearance since injuring his hamstring in Game One, it looked from the outset like Durant might have to carry the load for the Nets.

And with the spotlight on him, he put in one of the NBA Playoffs’ greatest ever performances.

He also set a Nets franchise record for points in a playoff game, surpassing Vince Carter’s mark of 43 set 15 years ago.

With the help of Jeff Green’s 27 points, Durant was able to drag the Nets back from a 17-point third quarter deficit.

Even Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is a two-time MVP award winner, could do nothing but praise Durant afterwards.

“We’ve got to guard him as a team, and we’ve got to make him make tough shots, like tonight, and we’ve just got to keep doing our job, and hopefully he’s going to miss. But we’ve got to keep doing our job, keep guarding together, keep showing help, keep making it tough, keep picking him up full court.”

The victory means that the Nets lead the best-of-seven playoff series 3-2, with Game Six taking place in Milwaukee on Thursday and the Nets a win away from their first Eastern Conference finals since 2003.