Kevin Durant scores 31 points in return to Brooklyn Nets lineup, but not enough in loss to Miami Heat

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Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant spent part of his morning brushing off the notion that he wasn't going to be a leader for his struggling team, then he almost did that in a loss to the Miami Heat.

After missing a month and a half because of a left knee injury, Kevin Durant looked like he hadn't missed a beat while scoring 31 points and dishing out four assists in 35 minutes. It was the All-Star's first game since he injured his knee.

After missing his first two shots of the game, KD found a rhythm quickly, transforming the Nets offense in the process, but it wasn't enough for a struggling Nets team that blew a 16-point lead, dropped its third straight game and is now 32-32 on the year.

I don't see myself as a savior, but I know what I can do and how much I can help this team. I try to be a good teammate and help out when I can. I know what I bring to the table and try to do it to the best of my abilities.

A group that hasn't been able to find its footing for over two months was a result of the words of Durant. The Nets were 5-18 in his absence, and even with his offensive brilliance on full display, they let an undermanned Heat team, playing without Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker, overpower them in the second half with a combination of smart plays and hustle. A large group of Heat fans made their presence felt throughout the night as Miami big man Bam Adebayo finished with 30 points 11 rebound and six assists.

The Nets got an emotional lift at the start of the game because of the presence of KD, who was out for a month and a half. A 3-pointer that would have given the Nets the lead in the final seconds wasrimmed out by KD, who finished 10-for-21 from the field with three turnovers. The teammates and the coaches of the man know how dominant he can be, and they expected the same level of performance from him in his return. The Nets have a 24-13 record this season.

We know the situation we are in and how far we are from where we want to go. We know that each day is important so we just keep plugging away.

The Nets are two games behind the Charlotte Hornets in the loss column, but they are still in the playoffs. The Nets play the Boston Celtics on Sunday.