Kyrie Irving has these things. The extra-sports controversies that surround him may be misleading at times, but the Brooklyn point guard is just the player we’ve seen tonight in Orlando, one capable of performing performances reserved for the NBA’s elite.
Against the Magic, in Florida, Irving destroyed his rival with 60 points in 35 minutes. His shooting series has been almost ridiculous with him going 20-for-31 from the field, including 8-for-12 on 3-pointers. From the free throw line he has been almost infallible with a 12 of 13. And although we might think that is enough, he has had time to capture six rebounds, provide four assists, steal four balls and even put a block… Simply tremendous.
The party of point guard It has been historic. It had been almost two decades since a player had scored 41 points in the first half (it was Kobe Bryant with 42 points on March 28, 2003). With that scoring cascade, Irving made Brooklyn reach 86 points in a first half in which they accumulated an income of 30 points (they ended up winning 108-150). Plus, it’s the best performance of his career. It’s time to enjoy.
“The night after Karl-Anthony Towns put on an amazing performance, Kyrie comes in and does the same thing. The league is in a spectacular moment these years. We’re seeing talent showcase every night, and this was one of those elite showcases,” says Kevin Durant, author of 19 Points.
Just in the previous meeting of the Nets, played against the Knicks, Durant left up to 53 points. That performance, coupled with Irving’s latest, makes them the first teammates in history to have back-to-back games of at least 50 points.
“Some shots that probably shouldn’t have been taken. There were some tough tough ones, with double defenses and even another defender on the way, but as long as I can do it with a smile on my face and my teammates aren’t too mad at me… It was worth it.” is win. “This is the true purity of this game, to do it efficiently on both ends of the floor and come out with a win.”
Mosley, surrendered to the evidence
The Orlando Magic coach spent the whole game spinning his head to find a way to stop Kyrie. He finally understood that tonight would not be possible.
«There are times when he throws over two rivals. You try to form a constant double defense on him, but he’s smart enough to know when to attack and when not to. He’s quick in transition, so you can’t pick up the pace and try to nullify his game. They constantly prepare screens. He is smart enough and has seen all types of defense to know how to play with pace. It’s hard”.
Regarding individual performances, in the Magic the 19 points and 7 assists of Cole Anthony stood out, as well as the 18 points and 7 rebounds of Wendell Carter Jr.
(Photograph by Mark Brown/Getty Images)