Kyrie Irving and Boston have a troubled past together. The 6ft 2″ guard, who once played for the Celtics, has on many occasions shared his disdain for the franchise. Unfortunately for Irving, the Nets have lost the past 9 games against the defending Eastern Conference Champions.
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Their misfortune against Boston aside, the Nets have also found themselves facing another issue. Kevin Durant will now be sidelined for a few weeks due to an MCL sprain. In his absence, the responsibility to lead the team falls on Kyrie’s shoulders. And Kyrie is off to a difficult start in this role.
In his recent tweet, ESPN analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins called out Kyrie Irving for losing the first game in KD’s absence.
Kendrick Perkins unhappy with Kyrie Irving for losing without Kevin Durant
With Durant missing his first game since the MCL sprain, Kendrick Perkins wasn’t too happy with Irving losing the game. The ESPN Analyst questioned Kyrie’s ability to win without KD. He suggested that the ‘superstar’ must get wins without his MVP-worthy teammate.
Kyrie is a Superstar right??? Let’s see if he can carry this Nets team by not only putting up big numbers but getting WINS!!! So far he’s 0-1 since KD injury! Kyrie you’re on the clock!!! Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 13, 2023
To be fair to Kyrie Irving, Perkins’ challenge is unfair. It’s the first game he has played since Durant’s MCL sprain. He has been really impressive this season and has strongly contributed to his team’s second-best record in the East. Perkins calling him out just after a single loss is sensationalism at best.
Fans defend Irving from Perkins’ criticism
Brooklyn Nets fans weren’t too amused by Kendrick’s tweet. They called the former NBA player out for his incorrect and hasty judgment on Irving. Fans defended Kyrie and claimed he deserves more time to prove himself and that he has been brilliant this season.
Kyrie was balling tonight, Ben Simmons refusing to aggressively attack the rim was the issue, and will continue to be the issue.
— Irishman (@galwayboy123) January 13, 2023
Shut up man u just love hating Ky. They lost to the Celtics even when KD played this year cuz they are the better team. Don’t make this about slandering Kyrie
— Slickeezy (@rockstarbeast24) January 13, 2023
Its 1 game perk. Calm down
— Mike_DjWheelz ☯️ (@MichaelVCassidy) January 13, 2023
The fans definitely make sense. It would be better to judge Kyrie after a few games have been played.
Also read: “Pretty Easy, Rim is Still 10 Feet.”: Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson Describe Playing in Football Arena as Spurs Attempt NBA Record Attendance
