Kyrie Irving reveals reason for improvement in game this season: “I’m in control of my emotions”
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has faced some troublesome situations this season. However, placing an emphasis on improving and working on his mental preparation, Irving highlighted how he has improved his game..
Kyrie Irving has been a central figure in a majority of controversies in the NBA over the last few seasons. After vaccine-mandate-related issues last season, Irving found himself caught up in more drama this season.
Considering the amount of noise surrounding the infamous Nets guard, Irving was in a compromised position on and off the floor. While also factoring in his suspension early in the season, Irving also faced harsh consequences for his actions.
However, after a rather problematic stretch, the guard appears to be in solid shape again. As a major contributor to the Brooklyn Nets' recent success, the franchise has seen a sudden resurgence of their star.
Read: Why is Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving such a polarizing figure?
Kyrie Irving recently mentioned that the work he put into being mentally prepared for games has been paying off. The Nets guard shed light on this aspect and said:
"Basketball is a very simple art form, so if I don’t bring all my extra distractions or anything that I’m going through mentally into the game, then I feel like we have a great chance of winning every game. That’s something I’ve taken responsibility for on my own end, just to positively reinforce that we can win games no matter what’s going on."
He added:
"Just being mentally prepared, using a lot of sessions in the summer of challenging myself to be ready for these moments where I don’t have to be swayed emotionally, I’m in control of my emotions, in control of my thoughts."
#Nets' Kyrie Irving: Work on mental part of my game is paying off nypost.com/2023/01/07/net… via @nypostsports
Irving also placed an emphasis on learning to restrain his emotions and focus on the needs of the team when things aren't going his way. Considering his behavior in Boston during the playoffs last season, this is definitely a brand-new approach for the guard.
With Irving making strides in being mentally prepared for each challenge, the Nets have benefitted from the effort. With a 26-13 record, Brooklyn has turned their season around in spectacular fashion.
Kyrie Irving has been in tremendous form
It is no secret that the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving have had a rather tumultuous couple of years together. With the vaccination drama last season, trade rumors in the offseason this year, and a suspension earlier this season, Irving has had the spotlight shine on him throughout.
Under these bright lights, Irving struggled to get things going early in the season. However, the Nets guard appears to have hit his stride at this point in the season. Sharing the stage with Nets superstar Kevin Durant, the duo has been transcendental in their last few outings.
In the last 10 games, Irving has notched an average of 27.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Having contributed to the Nets' winning effort with consistent scoring and playmaking, Irving has made a huge difference to Brooklyn.
His impact as a leader has also been invaluable as of late. Although he remains a bit of a mercurial individual, Irving is currently displaying what he is capable of bringing to the table.