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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the third quarter of game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-04-24T054857Z_738418301_MT1USATODAY23100882_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-DALLAS-MAVERICKS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-CLIPPERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the third quarter of game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Uncle Drew served a few lessons in tonight’s game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Stepping on the floor, Kye started off with a glue on defense, probably looking the most focused he has during his time with the Dallas Mavericks. As his former head coach Ty Lue deciphered plans to restrict him and make things hard, Kyrie Irving pulled a few tricks from his Merlin bag.
From spot-ups, and finishing in traffic to insane left-hand finishes, it was an absolute masterclass. Additionally, he even acknowledged Lue’s chess game against him, all while breaking his former coach’s defensive walls. Moreover, Kyrie enabled Luka Doncic to operate more freely on the court, something which the duo struggled with early in Game 1. With that, the Mavs even out the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, defeating them with Kawhi Leonard playing in the Crypto.com Arena game.
Kyrie Irving really is the most skilled player in the NBA. Filthy handles, can finish shots with either hand, has the mid range and 3 point game on lock and his basketball IQ is top notch. Watching this Mavs-Clippers game and don’t understand how he isn’t on the US Olympic Team.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 24, 2024
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Kyrie Irving was one of the biggest omissions from the recently revealed Team USA roster. Apart from the numerous fans wanting to see him don the national jersey, Kyrie brings an unmatchable plethora of offensive ballet. Irving also had an established camaraderie with players like Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant and LeBron James, all who were present in USA’s initial 11-player list.
Moreover, Irving also holds experience playing for USAB. He won gold at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and was named player of the tournament. Furthermore, he also helped the country clinch gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Regardless, Grant Hill presented Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton with a Team USA jersey and diminished Kyrie’s chance at the modern day Redeem Team.
Now, as Kyrie’s wizard-like arsenal hints at a dominant Dallas Mavericks run, fans are questioning his snub from the recent Team USA roster 2024 Paris Olympics.
Fans grip Kyrie Irving’s Team USA omission
“I wish my brothers well. I just didn’t fit into this team,” Kyrie Irving addressed his snub despite his inclination to represent the nation. Kyrie, however, did address the format of players trying out for the USA roster, something that Grant Hill overlooked due to the shimmering superstars.
Nevertheless, as Kyrie makes his peace with it, fans are pointing questions at the roster selection behind Kyrie’s dazzling game 2. One Irving admirer even tagged Hill, asking “Why isn’t Kyrie Irving on that Olympic team.”
@realgranthill33 ? Why isn’t @KyrieIrving on that Olympic team.
— Andre Thurmon (@pastorthurmon) April 24, 2024
On the other hand, a fan hinted at possible layers behind the snub, all while keeping the mystery alive. Can someone fill in, what do you think?
We all know why Kyrie Irving wasn't selected to represent this country in the upcoming Olympics 😑 https://t.co/8A9ubDp3tZ
— x – Cj Cali Lukai MFFL❗️😤 (@KingPaper559) April 24, 2024
With that, another Kye follower reminded the fans of his snub from the 75th anniversary team, highlighting the long-standing discrepancy against the bet finisher in the league.
let alone the 75th anniversary team… makes you wonder how the likes of Dame/AD are there but not Kyrie.
— mad_mad (@BrianB_97) April 24, 2024
Meanwhile, another fan tried to bring in the masses, reminding the fans of how Hill’s decision robs them of witnessing Team USA Kyrie leaving the entire roster in dust during team scrimmages.
Grant Hill calling this game like he didn't rob us of Olympic Kyrie.
— Swim Team™️ (@jointheswimteam) April 24, 2024
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Moreover, another fan hinted that Joel Embiid, Kawhi and Anthony Davis should be resting their bodies, paving way for Isiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren & Kyrie Irving.
I don’t think Embid, AD, & Kawhi need to be on the Olympic team. There bodies need the rest. I would replace them with Hartenstein, Chet & Kyrie.
— TheCigarCoach (@CoachJay1536) April 24, 2024
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While Kyrie displayed a stance to suit up for the Olympics, he also radiates a stronger leaning towards garnering a championship. With that, fans can expect him to continue shatter defenses and make game-winning plays in the playoffs, hopefully lifting another title.
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