Nets star Kevin Durant's double crossover on Daniel Gafford was sight to behold

CHARLOTTE – There’s been so much ugliness around the Nets recently that it was nice for fans of the team to get to see something beautiful on Friday night in Washington. 

That would be a beautiful basketball move by Kevin Durant, who executed a perfect double crossover that left 6-10 Wizards center Daniel Gafford prone on the hardwood as Durant hit an uncontested jumper late in the first quarter of the Nets’ 128-86 victory. 

Gafford was probably embarrassed. But at least he didn’t break his ankle on the play. 

"I really thought he slipped on some sweat there, so I can't take full credit for it,” Durant said. “But I was glad that we were able to get some momentum (and) I was able to get some space to do my thing, and I'm glad I finished the shot, too." 

Durant may have been gracious. But his teammates knew what they had just witnessed. When asked his thoughts on the play, forward Royce O’Neale whistled. 

“That was tough,” O’Neale said. “I think you saw everybody's reaction. I mean, it is a great play, great player. That’s just how everybody’s supporting a teammate. I mean, a highlight play like that, we go back after the game and talk about it. In the moment, you celebrate it and keep moving” 

Said Nets interim coach Jacque Vaughn: “I hope the camera wasn’t on me, to be honest with you, I enjoy the game of basketball, and he’s a special human being and special player in our league. He really enjoys playing the game of basketball and it’s fun to watch.” 

Curry in. Seth Curry (ankle) was expected to play for just the second time this season on Saturday night. Curry logged 18 minutes and went scoreless against Indiana on Oct. 29. 

By Anthony Rieber

anthony.rieber@newsday.comAnthonyRieber

Anthony Rieber covers baseball, as well as the NFL, NBA and NHL. He has worked at Newsday since Aug. 31, 1998, and has been in his current position since July 5, 2004.