The Brooklyn Nets recently suffered one big blow to the team when their leading scorer, Kevin Durant, was sidelined due to an injury. In their last game against the Miami Heat, All-Star Jimmy Butler tripped and fell on Durant?s right leg. KD was slow to get up as he was seen holding his knee in agony. Though the Nets won that game, Brooklyn then went on a four-game losing streak, dropping from the second seed in the Eastern Conference to the fourth spot. However, co-star Kyrie Irving managed to turn things around as he finally revealed his motivation in the absence of Durant.
When Kevin Durant got sidelined from the starting lineup, the Nets? field goal, free throw, and three-point shooting all took a major dip, adding to their four losses. Nevertheless, KD?s co-star Kyrie Irving took this incident as a moment that defines leaders and came through for the team.
Fans got to see shades of old-school Kyrie Irving
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In just the last two games, Kyrie Irving has scored a total of 86 points himself in order to will his team to victory. The Kyrie Irving-led Nets not only managed to defeat the Utah Jazz but also went home with a victory against a stacked Golden State Warriors team.
When asked to give his two cents on Durant?s absence, Kyrie said, ?This is just a message for everyone at home: 1st option, 2nd option, 3rd option, it don?t f?? matter to me? The objective of this team sport is to win basketball games, not identify 1 person to carry everybody every single night,? as reported by Brooklyn Nets beat reporter, Erik Slater.
The fact that Irving took this moment to display his leadership skills had fans immensely impressed by the seven-time All-Star. One fan tweeted, ?This man get too much hate. Leader for sure!?
This man get too much hate.
Leader for sure!
— Dean (@Dean4Three) January 24, 2023
While another fan commented, ?Spoken like a true leader that moves at his own pace. Kyrie Trails have started?Enough saaid #NetsWorld.?
Spoken like a true leader that moves at his own pace.
Kyrie Trails have started…
Enough saaid #NetsWorld
— saaid (@saaidNBA) January 23, 2023
Here are a few more reactions from Twitter.
Amazing response from Kyrie
— Osh (@itsoshh) January 23, 2023
By George, he's got it! pic.twitter.com/vyaaeuEqe2
— Ron (@_ronarch) January 23, 2023
Curry's father has spoken
— ♛♛♛ (@goatseazon) January 23, 2023
https://twitter.com/DrvgonEnergy/status/1617766054511652865?s=20&t=UuDPrwKv0hqKVrJ1FLWJ6w
Fans were impressed to see Irving stepping into the leadership role once again while his fellow All-Star recuperated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Has Irving been a sidekick to Durant?
Many fans have argued that Kyrie Irving is more of a sidekick on the Brooklyn Nets squad since the arrival of Kevin Durant to the team. While Durant may lead the team in scoring, Irving?s efforts on the court go beyond the number of points scored.
Watch This Story – Top five iconic performances from 30-year-old Kyrie Irving during his glittering NBA career
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Irving came into the league as a point guard. Although, Ben Simmons has taken over that role for the Nets since his arrival. Yet, the 2012 Rookie of the Year?s hustle, court vision, and tendency to motivate his fellow teammates on the floor is something that does not show up on the scoreboard.
Is Kyrie Irving a sidekick to Kevin Durant? Let us know what you think in the comments section down below.