Kyrie Irving led the Brooklyn Nets to a victory against the Los Angeles Lakers in a 121-104 game. Irving bagged 26 points with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. His efforts were supported by Patty Mills and Cam Thomas’ 21 points each. This marked the second straight win for the Nets and the second straight loss for the Lakers. The Lakers ruled LeBron James and Anthony Davis out of the game; leaving the team under-manned. Russell Westbrook took charge in their absence and bagged 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. These efforts fell short as Kyrie Irving and co took control from the get-go. While fans discussed the game, there was one moment that stood out.
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Hours before the fans filled the stadium, Irving walked out of the tunnel to get to practice early. As he made his way to the court, he spotted Lakers star Russell Westbrook dribbling and making shots. “I knew greatness would be out here early,” Irving yelled. Westbrook claimed that someone had to do what he was doing. To this Irving said, “Some people show up right on time. Does it go unnoticed? Do people appreciate it?” While Westbrook replied with a ‘no’ to both questions, Irving said that they understood the hard work behind their craft. Following this, the Lakers star said, “For sure. Yessir.” Videos of this interaction went viral and fans rushed to give their two cents.
NBA Fans weigh in on Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook
Some NBA Fans found this moment to be “wholesome” and “heartwarming”. They commented that the two had ‘real’ respect for each other while declaring them to be the best the game has ever seen. They were left floored by the interaction. However, many found themselves at the other end of the spectrum. Fans found the moment gross. They added that Irving and Westbrook ?gassing each other up” was hilarious while commenting more about the same. Some wrote that Irving was playing mind games while others asked the duo to relax. Here are some of the reactions:
😂 these two gassing each other up. The lack of self awareness between these two is PALPABLE https://t.co/17izzJaLjM
— Jobes! (@jobes44) January 31, 2023
Both of y’all calm down
— OG (@OG27950234) January 31, 2023
Kyrie playing mind games lol
— TRE💯🤞🏽 (@ICETRE23) January 30, 2023
Love the love the players have and respect they give each other 💯 💪🏾 https://t.co/bIh3G1lakJ
— Trenchkidd42 (@trenchkidd42) January 31, 2023
Gross. https://t.co/ntLkDeAimn
— Chris Camp (@ChrisCampNBA) January 31, 2023
They won't show you this! Love seeing the positivity. These 2 get so much underserved flak. #Legends https://t.co/wKl9UTq4QJ
— Petty King (@Tone_26_) January 31, 2023
Some post-game interactions
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The Nets continued to play without Kevin Durant. However, in this game, the entire team backed Irving?s efforts. Hence, the burden on Irving dialed down leaving the NBA Champion happy about the same. He said, ?It’s nothing but joy in my eyes when I see them get rewarded for the hard work they?ve put in.?
As per ESPN, Lakers coach Darvin Ham stated that LeBron James was experiencing a ?really significant soreness? on his foot; hence the decision to sit him out was made. Supposedly, on Tuesday, the four-time champion?s foot will be evaluated. Anthony Davis? absence was deliberate considering the 20-game hiatus due to injury and the slow recovery.
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What do you think about the interaction between Irving and Westbrook? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.