Kyrie, Nets squeak by Pacers

After missing 35 games this season, Kyrie Irving has finally made his return for the Brooklyn Nets.

In the Nets 129-121 win against the Indiana Pacers yesterday, Kyrie totaled 22 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. During the previous 2020-2021 season, Irving averaged 26.9 points, 6.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 54 games.

This game wasn’t only the return of Kyrie Irving, it was also the return of the Nets big three — Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. The last time they played a full game together was in Game 5 of the first round of the 2020-2021 playoffs against the Boston Celtics. In this game, the Nets secured the series, 4-1, winning 123-109 as the big three combined for 83 points.

The Nets are currently second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 24-12. Of their remaining 46 games, 24 will be played on the road. If Kyrie remains unvaccinated, he will only be allowed to play 21 of the 24 remaining road games. The three that he will miss will be when they play the Knicks at Madison Square Garden (twice) and when they play the Raptors in Toronto (once). Both cities require players to be vaccinated in order to play there. Unless New York City or Toronto changes their proof of vaccination mandate to enter arenas, Kyrie will not be able to be in attendance for these games.