The Brooklyn Nets, even without Kyrie Irving, absolutely schooled the Golden State Warriors yesterday. The game was a wake-up call for Steve Kerr. It was perhaps the most humiliating loss for the Dubs in the last few years. After all, no other team has ever scored 91 points on them in just the first half.
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But Warriors’ failure also meant Nets’ success. And while the GSW squad and fans were low, Brooklyn players and fans were ecstatic. They couldn’t believe the scene unraveling in front of their eyes. To be fair to them, they were toying with the defending champions.
The Warriors, who were without many of their key players, were definitely at a disadvantage from even before the game. It was obvious that many fans felt the loss against the Nets was because of the injured players. But one fan took it too far when he tried to taunt Kyrie Irving even as the GSW were getting overwhelmed.
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant shut down Warriors fan
Kyrie Irving missed yesterday’s game due to right calf soreness. Though not a concerning injury, he rested during the game just to ensure a full recovery as soon as possible. With Stephen Curry also sitting out, it made sense for Vaughn to take this decision.
However, no one could have imagined Brooklyn dominating the way it did. Even GSW fans were stunned by the whooping. One fan, though, took it as an opportunity to trash talk with Kai.
The fan asked Irving what they would do if Stephen Curry was playing. It was probably his way of rationalizing the loss. But Kyrie wasn’t letting anyone trample on the much-needed win. So, he shot back by reminding the fan he would guard Curry if he played.
The ensuing banter also roped in Kevin Durant. In his own unique style, Durant sarcastically congratulated the fan for winning the 2022 chip. Classic KD.
Kyrie Irving and the Nets look strong this season
Even though Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Klay Thompson were absent yesterday, this win was still big for the Nets. The last two seasons have been so full of drama for them, that such exceptional on-court performances will improve their morale.
Now that the Kyrie saga has also died down, it’s finally time for the Nets to focus solely on basketball. Fortunately for them, Kevin Durant has been on a mission this season. He is averaging 30+ points on 56% field goal shooting.
But another added bonus for Brooklyn has been the reemergence of Irving who missed most of the last season. Though he has been a lot less efficient from the three-point line, Irving has been making up for it with his playmaking and scoring.
It is likely that the Nets will be a definite threat in the playoffs, more so than they were the last two seasons.
