On August 12, Kyrie Irving challenged Barstool Sports founder, Dave Portnoy, to a 1v1 showdown. This exchange came after Portnoy took to Twitter to call out Irving. Recent footage, originating from an Instagram Story, now reveals a new twist in this feud, as Portnoy was joined by Patrick Beverley. In the video, Dave claimed Kyrie was ducking him.
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Just 33 days ago, Portnoy orchestrated a staggering business move. He reacquired his beloved company for a mere $1, after having sold it for an eye-watering half a billion dollars back in February. This audacious transaction is projected to net the 46-year-old entrepreneur an astounding profit of approximately $550,999,999.
Dave Portnoy says Kyrie Irving is ducking him
The video capturing the electrifying confrontation between Irving and Portnoy paints a vivid picture of the intensity that unfolded on the court. Portnoy, never one to mince words, boldly declared that Irving was dodging the face-off.
Portnoy told Pat Bev:
“Kyrie Irving is pus**ing out. I don’t want to say Kyrie is ducking me for our I on I game, but Kyrie is kinda ducking me.”
Portsoy saying Kyrie is ducking him 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/PBtAeyoR1x
— NewsMan (@WhenInDoubt4242) September 12, 2023
The Barstool owner is clearly referring to when Kyrie Irving said that he owed some 1v1s to certain people. Irving told those streaming his content:
“I still owe 2 people on Twitter a 1-on-1…Gunz Show & dude from Barstool David Portnoy…I have no personal issues w/them…I’m gonna use these guys as examples. When these guys start talking out the side of their f**king mouth about my craft & my career…”
Kyrie Irving on Twitch: “I still owe 2 people on Twitter a 1-on-1…Gunz Show & dude from Barstool David Portnoy…I have no personal issues w/them…I’m gonna use these guys as examples. When these guys start talking out the side of their f**king mouth about my craft & my career…” pic.twitter.com/XeSerCZIuI
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 11, 2023
This statement fueled the flames of this already fiery beef which started quite some time ago.
Portnoy first called out Kyrie during Boston saga
The seeds of this heated rivalry were sown when Kyrie Irving promised a return to Boston but failed to deliver. Portnoy didn’t hold back in his criticism of Irving’s unfulfilled promise.
Kyrie vs Gunz made the @nypost today. @KyrieIrving doesn’t want to play me in NBA2K – only real bball, so it looks like I’m starting my training to get back into shape. Any ex-NBA players that don’t like Kyrie wanna help? Hit me up let’s do this. 🏀🌎https://t.co/Raz1IPF5Ix
— Gunz (@TheGunzShow) June 13, 2023
This initial clash of words set the stage for the subsequent challenges and exchanges that would follow.
![Josh Green may have played significant minutes during Game 6, but it was his postgame interview that caught all the attention. While being interviewed by ESPN Australia, Green had a hilarious conversation about Luka Doncic that hilariously disclosed the latter’s fear of spiders and snakes. The Australian even revealed he insisted that Doncic visit his home country, but the latter immediately declined. During the interview, Josh announced that the 6ft 7” guard would be visiting Australia in the upcoming offseason. With Doncic noticeably surprised, an amusing back-and-forth immediately ensued. Luka: “ESPN Australia!” Green: “Luka is coming to Australia this offseason...” Luka: “No there's too many spiders... I’m afraid of snakes and spiders” The five-time All-Star also claimed that Aussies didn’t “like” him. Luka: “They don’t like me.” Green: “They love you. I told him that everyone loves him in Australia but he doesn’t listen to me.” [per Kane Pitman] Josh Green and Luka Doncic just now. Luka: "ESPN Australia!" Green: "Luka is coming to Australia this offseason..." Luka: "No there's too many spiders..." Green: "I've seen none of Slovenia..probably a reason for that..." Luka: "We have no spiders..." It continued.... pic.twitter.com/YokuFVhakq — Kane Pitman (@KanePitman) May 19, 2024 There could be one potential reason for the crowd in Australia not “liking” him. During the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Luka rallied the Slovenian team to defeat Patty Mills and co. 91-80 in the second round of the tournament. Having already lost to Germany in the first round, the 11-point loss resulted in Australia’s elimination from the campaign. So, while Doncic may have only been doing his job, Australia does indeed have a reason to dislike the Slovenian superstar. That said, perhaps he shouldn't count out his chances of a peaceful visit to the country just yet. Luka Doncic could visit Australia due to his friendship with Kyrie Irving Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Kyrie Irving has been successful while playing FIBA tournaments, having won the 2010 FIBA Americans U18 Championship, the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and the 2016 Olympics. However, despite achieving all of these while representing Team USA, Irving is actually an Australian citizen. The Mavericks star moved to the USA at a young age after being born in Melbourne, Australia. On numerous occasions in his career, he has contemplated representing his birth nation. However, he claims that Coach K influenced his decision and eventually convinced him to play for Team USA instead. “I consider myself an international player even though I played on Team USA,” Irving told Fox Sports. “Team USA asked me to play for them when I was 17 or 18 ... I wanted to play for Australia, but it just didn't happen. Coach K wasn't going to let that happen either.” “I mean, he's Coach K. As a young fella, he definitely did tell me I had a chance to be a part of something bigger than myself and ultimately being the starting point guard on the US Olympic team.” Kyrie and his former coach (at Duke University) found success, winning gold medals in the FIBA World Cup and Olympics. Luka Doncic has often expressed his love for Kyrie, and vice-versa. Apart from lauding each other for the players that they are, they seem to be more proud of each other’s humble personalities. Considering that the two are so close on and off the court, there could be a possibility that Doncic can travel to Australia without receiving threats from the public for his hand in knocking them out of the World Cup. However, given his many fears, it's unlikely the Slovenian superstar ever considers taking the option.](https://cdn-wp.thesportsrush.com/2024/05/dc36b81e-untitled-design-2024-05-19t145959.456.jpg?format=auto&w=384&q=75)
