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Nets learn from 'embarrassing' 4-game skid

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Brooklyn Nets clawed back from a 21-point deficit to beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets on Saturday, snapping a four-game losing streak that Kyrie Irving called "embarrassing."

"We were embarrassed the last few games," Irving said following the 125-119 victory in Denver, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews.

Irving posted 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting and Kevin Durant chipped in with 33 points, 11 boards, and seven assists as the Nets put an end to their longest losing run of the campaign.

"When I say embarrassing, I mean just not playing up to our capabilities, and teams are just coming out and doing whatever they want and feel good," the seven-time All-Star continued.

"Guys that are on the opposing team, supporting guys on the team, are having huge nights sometimes - that's when it gets embarrassing, is when you're not doing the little things for one another. Moving forward, we just learn from it."

While Irving characterized the four-game skid as a teachable moment, Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash is welcoming the obstacles as the playoffs approach.

"I'm happy for us to be uncomfortable right now," Nash said.

"I'm happy for us to struggle and suffer. I'm glad we won, but suffering and building that resolve and that understanding ... these experiences, when we're on the mat, are good for us, and I think our guys responded tonight."

With the victory, the Nets vaulted the Milwaukee Bucks for second in the Eastern Conference standings. Brooklyn has four games left on the slate and is hoping for the return of James Harden, who's missed the last 17 contests with a hamstring injury.

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