Kyrie Irving live updates: Nets bag comeback win over Pacers, as Kyrie finishes with 22 points and comments on vaccination status
Nets:
Kyrie Irving:
After missing the Nets’ first 35 games of the season, Kyrie Irving came back against the Indiana Pacers — he even crashed the starting lineup with Kevin Durant and James Harden — and after a rough start it was mostly a story of the Kyrie we know and what the Nets can be, which includes a quiet defensive prowess. The Nets flipped a huge deficit and turned the game into what will look like a typical win over inferior competition. It was the first time Irving has played in an NBA game since June 13, so we are live through and after this one, and will pop in some postgame thoughts and highlights below.
So you have the background: Under New York State guidelines, Irving’s unvaccinated status prevents him from playing at Barclays Center. The Nets initially rejected the idea of Irving playing only road games but revisited the idea after COVID-19 depleted their roster. So here we are. On Dec. 18, Nets general manager Sean Marks announced Irving’s possible return as a part-time player. Now, after missing a large portion of the season, Irving returns to the Brooklyn Nets.
Follow along with our writers below, as we take in all that was Kyrie’s debut.
Kyrie on his vax status:
Asked if he changed his stance in vaccination, Kyrie Irving said he’s taking it day-by-day.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) January 6, 2022
James Harden on Kyrie’s debut
No rust evident.
•2h ago
KD weighs in…
Kevin Durant did typical KD things with 39 points, but was obviously asked about the debut of the third member of a star trio.
•2h ago
Steve Nash: “It was a welcome back gift”
Here’s a quick breakdown of Kyrie’s return and a huge comeback win.
•2h ago
Kyrie shares a moment with pops after debut
Dad was in the house in Indy.
•2h ago
A scripted first look for Kyrie
The coach details it.
•2h ago
