“Give him a f**king chance, we stay on his s**t” - Kyrie Irving blasts reporters for repeated questions over Ben Simmons’ poor form
Kyrie Irving lashed out at reporters for repeatedly mentioning Ben Simmons' poor form. Simmons struggled offensively again in the Brooklyn Nets' latest defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. He scored only four points on two-of-seven shooting.
In his postgame press conference, Irving said (via Brian Lewis):
"You guys keep coming in here asking me like what about Ben? He hasn't played in two years. Give him give him a f**ing chance. We stay on his s**t. You just stay on him. But we're here to give him positive affirmations."
Ben Simmons is averaging 5.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game across four appearances for the Nets this season. He has fouled out twice and his scoring will be a concern for the Nets after a 1-3 start to the season.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving don't have many teammates who can share the offensive load. KD is averaging 32.2 points per game on 49.6% shooting from the floor. Irving has tallied 27.2 points per game on 44.6% field goal shooting. Nic Claxton is the team's third-best scorer, with 12.8 points per game under his belt.
Kyrie Irving on Ben Simmons: "You guys keep coming in here asking me like what about Ben? He hasn't played in two years. Give him give him a fu-king chance. We stay on his sh1t. You just stay on him. But we're here to give him positive affirmations." #Nets
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant lone difference makers on offense against the Milwaukee Bucks
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have looked in sublime form to begin the season. However, their performances haven't helped the team win games. The duo recorded another decent outing in the defeat against the Bucks.
Durant registered 33 points, while Irving had 27. Royce O'Neal's 12-point performance was the only double-digit contribution. Brooklyn's defensive struggles continued as well as they had no answer for two-time Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo. He bagged 43 points on 64% shooting.
The Brooklyn Nets lack size and physicality as they were outrebounded by 54-37 against the Bucks. The Nets allowed 48 points in the paint. They're giving up an average of 53.5 points in that area for the season, the eighth-worst record in the league.
"The Nets have the worst defense in the league. ... Right now, they're as likely to play for a championship as the worst offense in the league — the Lakers. They both have 2 stars & broken, unwinnable rosters from that point down." — @getnickwright https://t.co/t2yKnrp2Pn
It's been a recurring theme for the Nets, and they need to up their game defensively. Irving and Durant alone cannot lead them to wins by putting up an offensive clinic on a nightly basis. Ben Simmons, Royce O'Neale and Nic Claxton need to prove they can the lead the defensive side of the game.
The Nets take on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 28.