mobile app bar

Kyrie Irving reveals Kevin Durant and his Nets’ mentality ahead of win over Nikola Jokic and co: “We were embarrassed the last few games”

Samir Mehdi
Published

Kyrie Irving reveals Kevin Durant and his Nets' mentality ahead of win over Nikola Jokic and co: "We were embarrassed the last few games"

Kyrie Irving admits that their 4-game losing streak was very embarrassing and is glad that they ended it by winning against Jokic’s Nuggets. 

The Brooklyn Nets will enter the 2021 NBA Playoffs with perhaps the most pressure weighing them, in comparison to other title contenders in the league. Of course you have teams such as the Bucks and the Clippers who are also expected to have a deep run in this postseason to justify their massive moves during past offseason. 

However, a squad that features Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden is one that is built for the Playoffs and would be deemed an absolute failure by a majority of critics and analysts if they were to disband this team without having claimed one title at the very least. 

With their superstar trio having played merely 186 minutes together in total this season, the Nets were bound to face a couple hurdles along the way. These hurdles came in the form of a completely healthy Milwaukee Bucks team that beat them in two consecutive games led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Also read: “Of course I knew Bradley Beal had 50 points”: Stephen Curry responds with a 49-point game in an NBA scoring-title fight against the Wizards superstar which is going down to the wire

In reference to this, both Kyrie Irving and Steve Nash talked about finally getting over the hump following a win over the Denver Nuggets. 

Kyrie Irving says their 4-game losing streak was embarrassing. 

After having lost to the Portland TrailBlazers, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Dallas Mavericks, the Nets finally bounced back in a thriller against a depleted Denver Nuggets team where Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant combined for 64 points. Irving would talk about their victory in relation to their most recent 4-game losing streak. 

“When I say embarrassing, I mean just not playing up to our capabilities, and teams are just coming out and doing whatever they want and feel good. Supporting guys on opposing teams are having hug nights against us sometimes. That’s when it gets embarrassing, is when you’re not doing the little things for one another.” 

Also read: “Give Russell Westbrook the love and respect he deserves”: Lakers legend Magic Johnson demands Wizards star be more respected amidst notching his 181st triple double, equaling Oscar Robertson

Steve Nash remained optimistic however and tried to look on the bright side by saying, “I’m happy for us to be uncomfortable right now. I’m happy for us to struggle and suffer. These experiences, when we’re on the mat, are good for us, and I think our guys responded tonight.” 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

instagram-icon

Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

Share this article