USA Today via Reuters
Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) stares down Boston Celtics fans heckling from the stands before the start of the first round against the Boston Celtics for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) stares down Boston Celtics fans heckling from the stands before the start of the first round against the Boston Celtics for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving missed quite a few regular-season games this year. Irving wasn’t vaccinated and couldn’t play home games for the same reason. Before that, Kyrie took a break from the game, looking into spiritual beliefs. His absence had quite a lot of fans question his availability in the future.
Kyrie came back but could only play home games. His performance in the regular season convinced everyone of his ability to stay consistent even after a long break. Though still, the skilled duo couldn’t last long in the playoffs.
Stephen A. made a hilarious comment on Kyrie Irving missing games
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The Nets shined in the Play-In tournament, as they clinched 7th seed in the East. If Kyrie hadn’t missed a lot of games, the outcome would’ve been different. The Nets might have ended up a top 5 seed in the East. His absence indeed came out to be a problem for the Nets in the long run. Stephen A. had some words on Kyrie’s inconsistency.
"When Russia bombed Ukraine I thought Kyrie Irving wasn't going to show up for work"-Stephen A Smith pic.twitter.com/lnu4vf0H5o
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 25, 2022
“When Russia bombed Ukraine, I thought Kyrie wasn’t going to show up for work. I literally sat there thinking, ‘Is this man gonna skip work?'”
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) is triple teamed by Boston Celtics center Daniel Theis (27), guard Marcus Smart (36) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the third quarter at Barclays Center |Credits: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Though Irving showed how his game was not affected by his absence when he dropped a 50 and a 60-point game, getting used to tough competition is another thing. Durant and Kyrie both had ups and downs in the series, as they could not stop Jayson Tatum and the Celtics.
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What’s next for the Nets?
The Nets had every player in a piece this year, but not in form. It seemed like the Nets were neglecting the regular season. Not only Kyrie, but Durant missed games as he was injured. The team can only look to have dedicated players on the roster or else, it will be the same.
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The team should also look to adjust players and the coaching staff for better overall chemistry on the team. It will be interesting to what moves the Nets will make this offseason.
WATCH THIS STORY: Nets Fans in Attack Mode as Kyrie Irving Congratulates Former Side After Shock NBA Playoffs 2022 Exit
