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“Kyrie Irving Put on a Show Tonight”: Kendrick Perkins Backtracks After Blaming Nets Guard for Losing Streak in Kevin Durant’s absence

Adit Pujari
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"Kyrie Irving Put on a Show Tonight": Kendrick Perkins Backtracks After Blaming Nets Guard for Losing Streak in Kevin Durant's absence

The Brooklyn Nets have finally won their first game since Kevin Durant injured his meniscus. Kyrie Irving led the New york Franchise to a much-needed win over the Utah Jazz. For the Nets, this may very well be a turning point. They have been criticized relentlessly over their incapability to win with Kevin Durant absent.

Kendrick Perkins was one of the pundits who openly quoted his dissatisfaction with Jacque Vaughn’s squad. After their last loss to Phoenix Suns, the former player-turned-analyst called them out for their 4-game losing streak.

He claimed: “Kyrie Irving, without a superstar on his team, he has a below-average winning record. … Can you win regular season games for a short period of time as you being the leader and the go-to guy? And right now, the answer is no.”

However, after the game against Utah, Perkins subtly backtracked on his initial statement.

Also read: Amidst Shannon Sharpe And Grizzlies Scuffle, Shaquille O’Neal’s Potency Against Steven Adams Is Brought Up By Former NBA Champ

Kendrick Perkins praises Kyrie Irving for winning without Kevin Durant

After the game, Perkins took to his Twitter to praise Kyrie Irving for the win. He congratulated the star for putting on a show.

Perkins: “On the plane right now… but I see Kyrie put on a show tonight and finally led the Nets to their first win without KD!!!! Congratulations and Carry the hell on…”

Perkins’ backtracking, honestly, is justified. Irving did put on a 48-point show Friday night and absolutely dominated the Utah Jazz.

What made Irving so spectacular tonight was his field goal efficiency. Irving made 18 of his 29 shots with a 62.1 field goal percentage. Moreover, Kyrie also made 8 of his 15 three-point attempts with 53.3% shooting accuracy. Irving also registered 11 rebounds in the game. Offense aside, Kai was also a defensive beast. He had 4 steals and was brilliant on the perimeter.

The Nets need to win more games in KD’s absence

The Nets have won only 1 of their 5 games in Durant’s absence. KD, before his injury, was putting up MVP-worthy numbers. In fact, he was one of the front runners in the MVP race for this season.

But after his injury, the Nets have been without perhaps the best scorer in the league. Kevin Durant’s extraordinary size and agility make him one of a kind.

But in his absence, Kyrie Irving is responsible for leading the team to victory. If he can continuously perform like tonight, the Nets should be able to put up a tough fight in their upcoming matchups.

Also read: “Tee Morant Doesn’t Want the Smoke”: NBA Fans react to Ja Morant’s father Shrugging Off Major Scuffle Between Shannon Sharpe and Grizzlies

About the author

Adit Pujari

Adit Pujari

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Adit Pujari is an NBA Journalist and Strategist at The SportsRush. He formerly worked as a debate and writing trainer. An avid fan of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, Adit began following the league in 2007. With the Lakers and Boston Celtics rivalry ripe, he found himself hooked to the sport immediately. After 15 years of religiously following the league, he decided to use his knowledge base as a sports writer in 2021. Since then, he has worked as an NBA writer, led a team of MLB writers, and has now joined The SportsRush. In his spare time, Adit loves playing pickup games and exploring hidden Himalayan trails.

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