Stephen A. Smith counts on Kyrie Irving to carry Brooklyn Nets in absence of Kevin Durant: “He needs to go Iverson”
The Brooklyn Nets are going to need Kyrie Irving to rise to the occasion with Kevin Durant sidelined. Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that Irving needs to take a page out of NBA legend Allen Iverson's book.
Brooklyn has been one of the most impressive teams in the NBA as of late. In their last 20 games, the Nets are an eye-opening 18-2. The team currently ranks first in the NBA in Net Rating over that span. After a sluggish start to the 2022-23 season, Brooklyn is emerging as a dangerous force.
That was until superstar forward Kevin Durant suffered an injury. It's been reported that Durant is expected to miss a month with an MCL sprain in his right knee. That puts the Nets in a difficult position, as Durant has been spectacular throughout the year.
Analyst Stephen A. Smith stated on "First Take" that Kyrie Irving must take over for the Nets. With Durant out, Smith believes Irving should try to carry the team offensively like NBA legend Allen Iverson.
"If the Brooklyn Nets play .500 ball until KD comes back, the Brooklyn Nets will be a top-2 seed in the Eastern Conference...
Without KD on the floor for a month, Kyrie Irving needs to shoot the ball 25 times a night. He needs to go Iverson."
Kyrie Irving looks to carry Brooklyn Nets with Kevin Durant sidelined
The Brooklyn Nets find themselves with an overall record of 27-13 this season. After starting out the year winning just one of their first six games, it's been a remarkable turnaround for the franchise.
Kevin Durant has been one of the main reasons why Brooklyn has found its groove. With head coach Jacque Vaughn getting the Nets on the right track, Brooklyn has blossomed into a contender in the Eastern Conference. While Durant has been on the court, he's been as dangerous as ever.
KYRIE IRVING. 🔥🔥🔥
https://t.co/BdvHHwH1d5
In his last 11 games prior to his injury, Durant was averaging 30.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. KD was also shooting 57.0% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range during that stretch.
He hasn't been alone this season, as star point guard Kyrie Irving has looked like the player he once was. Irving has averaged 28.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game over his last 13 games. During that time, Irving shot 50.8% from the field and 41.3% from the three-point range.
Brooklyn will need to lean on Kyrie Irving more than ever with Durant sidelined. For Irving, it's a chance to prove just how dominant of a player he can be when he's the focal point on offense.