Kyrie Irving assures Brooklyn Nets are well prepared to deal with Kevin Durant possibly missing time due to injury
Kyrie Irving believes the Brooklyn Nets are well equipped to deal with Kevin Durant missing time due to his latest injury setback. Durant suffered a blow to the right knee during the team's 102-101 win over the Miami Heat after Jimmy Butler fell on his leg.
Irving said Durant and the Nets are in good spirits and are ready for the challenges ahead in the latter's possible absence from the court.
“Yeah he’s in good spirits, as we all are," said Irving (via Cody Mallory). "The strength of our team is us picking each other up and just being ready for whatever is thrown at us.”
“Yeah he’s in good spirits, as we all are. The strength of our team is us picking each other up and just being ready for whatever is thrown at us.”
-Kyrie Irving when asked if he had a chance to talk to Kevin (Durant)
The Brooklyn Nets have built an identity as one of the most gritty teams in the NBA over the past two months. Since Jacque Vaughn took over the reins from Steve Nash as the team's head coach on Nov. 1, 2022, the Nets have gone 25-8, the best record in the league during that stretch.
That included a 12-game winning streak between Dec. 7 to Jan. 2. The Nets are currently on an 18-2 run over their past 20 games. Kevin Durant has been integral to their success. However, the Nets have played well as a unit, which could help them sustain their performance in KD's possible absence.
Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn Nets hold off Miami Heat after Kevin Durant's exit in the third quarter
The Brooklyn Nets flexed their depth in their one-point win over the Miami Heat on the road after Kevin Durant exited the game in the third quarter. It was a close game in the second half, with plenty of lead changes. Kyrie Irving had 29 points but only five in the second half.
Despite his underwhelming showing in the last 24 minutes to top Durant's injury in the third quarter, the Nets fought their way to a win after tightening things up on the defensive end of the floor.
Every role player stepped in when needed. This is exactly what the Nets will be hoping to do in Durant's absence over the next few games. The Heat game was a good lesson for the team. They have a relatively easy schedule after their next game against the Boston Celtics. Brooklyn should be able to sustain their form in KD's absence.
Irving will be crucial in making that happen. He will have to compensate for Durant's offensive production and score efficiently to help the Nets stay sound on that end of the floor.