NBA News Today: Nike suspends relationship with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant clarifies comments on Brooklyn Nets situation, and more | November 5, 2022
Kyrie Irving talks have engulfed the NBA over the past week due to his antisemitism issues. The fallout from Irving's actions continued on Friday when Nike suspended its relationship with the Brooklyn Nets guard. Nike also canceled the launch of Kyrie 8.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant clarified his comments regarding the issues surrounding Irving and the Nets. Durant addressed Irving's suspension, but some misinterpreted his remarks. KD called the issue unnecessary and wanted the team to focus on basketball.
Here is the latest NBA news today, Nov. 5, brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Luka Doncic ties Wilt Chamberlain record with another 30-point game
Luka Doncic is off to a fantastic start for the Dallas Mavericks this season. Doncic is the current leading scorer in the NBA, averaging a whopping 36.0 points per game. He also tied a record held by Wilt Chamberlain following his 35-point performance on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.
Doncic has now scored 30 or more points in eight straight games to start the season. He's now tied with Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history. Chamberlain scored 30 or more points in eight straight games to start the 1959-60 season.
But who holds the record for the longest streak of scoring 30-plus points to start the season? Well, it was Chamberlain, who scored 30 or more points in 23 consecutive games to start the 1962-63 season. Doncic has a chance to break the record, but he needs to stay healthy and consistent.
Nike suspends relationship with Kyrie Irving amid antisemitism issues
The fallout from Kyrie Irving's promotion of an antisemitic film and book continued on Friday. Nike suspended its partnership with Irving as he repairs the damage he has done. Nike also canceled the launch of Kyrie 8, Irving's latest shoe line.
Irving finally issued an apology on Thursday after the Brooklyn Nets suspended him for at least five games. Irving's apology came after a tremendous amount of pressure from the NBA, NBPA and commissioner Adam Silver. The Nets star made the situation worse by defending his actions multiple times.
The 30-year-old guard will have to improve his demeanor before the Nets and Nike lift his suspension. Irving has a long road ahead of him due to the impact of his actions. The film "Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America" has gone viral and its book counterpart has become a top-seller.
Nikola Jokic makes history with another triple-double
Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double in the Denver Nuggets' 122-110 win over the OKC Thunder on Thursday. It was Jokic's 79th career triple-double, moving him ahead of Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time list. The two-time MVP now has the most triple-doubles by a center in NBA history.
Jokic put up 15 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists against the Thunder. At the age of just 27 years old, Jokic has the chance to break the all-time record currently held by Russell Westbrook. He told reporters after the game that he appreciates being compared to someone like Chamberlain.
"It's nice to be compared with a guy who's probably one of the best ever," Jokic said. "It's some kind of legacy that I leave behind."
Kevin Durant clarifies comments on Kyrie Irving's suspension
Some thought that Kevin Durant was condoning Kyrie Irving's actions with his comments on Friday's shootaround. Durant called the situation unnecessary and the Brooklyn Nets should have stayed quiet. The Nets did not stay silent as they suspended Irving without pay for at least five games.
After receiving some backlash for his earlier remarks, Durant clarified his comments on Twitter. He explained that he does not condone antisemitism, and it should be all about love and the game of basketball that unites people.
"Just wanna clarify the statements I made at shootaround, I see some people are confused," Durant wrote. "I don't condone hate speech or anti-semetism, I'm about spreading love always. Our game Unites people and I wanna make sure that's at the forefront."
Kevin Durant spoke about the distraction Kyrie Irving has caused this week at Nets shootaround: “I just didn’t like anything that went on. I felt like it was all unnecessary, I wish we could have just kept playing basketball.”
The Wizards play the Nets tonight on @NBCSWashington https://t.co/8cwc9DRIiK
Warriors lose again, Lakers fall to Jazz in today's NBA results
The Golden State Warriors lost their fifth straight game on Friday at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Warriors played without key players such as Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. The defending champs are now 3-7 to start the season.
Meanwhile, the LA Lakers' two-game winning streak was snapped by the Utah Jazz. The Jazz took control of the game in the first half before the Lakers battled back in the third quarter. However, Utah had too much firepower as they pulled away in the final frame.
Here are the complete NBA results for Nov. 4:
- Cleveland Cavaliers def. Detroit Pistons 112-88
- Indiana Pacers def. Miami Heat 101-99
- New York Knicks def. Philadelphia 76ers 106-104
- Brooklyn Nets def. Washington Wizards 128-86
- Boston Celtics def. Chicago Bulls 123-119
- Memphis Grizzlies def. Charlotte Hornets 130-99
- LA Clippers def. San Antonio Spurs 113-106
- Dallas Mavericks def. Toronto Raptors 111-110
- New Orleans Pelicans def. Golden State Warriors 114-105
- Milwaukee Bucks def. Minnesota Timberwolves 115-102
- Portland Trail Blazers def. Phoenix Suns 108-106
- Utah Jazz def. LA Lakers 130-116