The Return of Kyrie Irving

January 6, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

Irving Drops 22 Points in Season Debut as Nets Beat Pacers (129-121)

A whopping 36 games into the 2021-22 NBA season, and unvaccinated Nets star Kyrie Irving has finally appeared. Irving’s debut came at Indiana where he helped ignite a second-half Nets rally (129-121). Kevin Durant had a game-high 39 points as Brooklyn snapped a three-game skid, and new/old Pacer Lance Stephenson dropped 20 points in his debut. But the real story was Irving, who hadn’t played all season due to his vaccination status. He’s still unable to play home games due to New York City’s mandate. The team hadn’t allowed Irving to play away games until Wednesday night, and they’re expected to continue that plan through the season.

 

Kyrie is back, and the Nets’ Big 3 is back in tact… At least on the road.

 

Watch: Irving’s Return Lift Nets Past Pacers

 

Other NBA Highlights

 

KPJ’s Game-Winner: Wednesday’s biggest shot came courtesy of Kevin Porter Jr. who lifted the Rockets over the Wizards (114-111) with a step-back 3 at the buzzer.

 

Dirk’s Night in Dallas: The Mavericks downed the Warriors Wednesday in Dallas (99-82) after the team celebrated its most iconic player, Dirk Nowitzki, with a jersey retirement ceremony filled with memories.