USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23), Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) and Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23), Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) and Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell (15) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving and LeBron James reignited their rivalry tonight. Irving’s Nets took on James’ Lakers in what many consider an NBA Finals preview. The Nets came away with the victory, despite not having Kevin Durant on the court. The Lakers struggled to contain the Nets, with Anthony Davis being on the bench due to a significant injury.
Kyrie Irving bamboozles LeBron James
During the game, Kyrie Irving pulled off an incredible spin move to score against LeBron James and the Lakers. James was left stranded after Kyrie used his incredible handles to confuse James into going the other direction. Irving will be very satisfied with the move and his overall performance, as it led the Nets to defeat the Lakers 109-98.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kyrie had LeBron spinnin' 👀pic.twitter.com/Pr4RCU7hrf
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 19, 2021
It was an impressive victory for Irving and the Nets. Many had noticed that the Brooklyn Nets were not very good defensively. However, they showed that they can defeat teams while keeping them below 100 points. The Lakers were the best defense in the NBA going into the game, but couldn’t handle the offensive firepower of the Brooklyn Nets.
READ MORE: WATCH: Kyrie Irving Terrorizes Lakers Defense With Excellent Handles and Hustle
For the Lakers, this loss is yet another statement of their recent struggles. The Lakers lost Anthony Davis to a calf strain recently, and he is expected to be out for a full month. He will be missing the All-Star game this year and very important games for the Lakers during the regular season. However, the Lakers will be okay with that if Davis returns after making a full recovery.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Nets are on a roll right now
Currently, the Nets are on a five-game winning streak. They will be hoping to keep it going when they take on the LA Clippers on Sunday night, since they have already defeated the LA Clippers before this game. But playing them at home may be a different story. The Nets could welcome Kevin Durant back into the lineup to have their big three ready to go for the rest of the NBA season.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward Kevin Durant (7) rest near the team bench during a timeout against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
READ MORE: Stats Prove Lakers’ LeBron James Has The Clear Edge in Head to Head Over Nets’ Kyrie Irving
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can the Brooklyn Nets win the NBA championship this season? They have one of the strongest offensive teams in NBA history right now. However, their defensive woes are still a concern. Expect the Nets to make an acquisition of a strong defensive presence to help them win the NBA championship and bring an NBA title back to the city of New York.
