Kevin Durant Once Again Admits the Nets Miss Kyrie Irving After Another Loss

The Brooklyn Nets have been following an alternating pattern of wins and losses. They started off with a humiliating loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and have reached a point where they’re losing to the Miami Heat as well. With a 2-3 score already, fans are worried that the Nets might be falling apart without their third superstar.

With Kyrie Irving not playing, the Nets are not at full strength. And even though the team misses their teammate, Kevin Durant is sure that they will bounce back.

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Kevin Durant and Co. miss Kyrie Irving?

Kyrie Irving somehow manages to find his way into headlines for some reason or the other. Usually, it’s controversial and something that fans take pleasure in mocking. However, in the past, none of his off-court antics have affected the teams he has played for. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for this season.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 14: Kyrie Irving (11) of the Brooklyn Nets takes the court against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Thursday, November 14, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

After the NBA’s health and safety protocols made it mandatory for players to be fully vaccinated before they can play the 2021-22 NBA season, there was some backlash for some people. Irving was one of those people who felt most strongly about it. Since he did not want to get the vaccine, he is okay with sitting out until they come to a consensus about what needs to be done.

Kevin Durant on what the Nets are missing: “I know what you want me to say (laughs). Yeah, we do miss Kyrie. We do. He’s part of our team. But like I said, we’ve been generating great shots. We’ve been getting in the paint. We just gotta knock them down.”

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) October 28, 2021

This has reduced the Nets’ trio to a duo. And it is becoming clearer in every game that Kyrie’s presence is something that fans are missing, so is the rest of the team. Durant said, “I know what you want me to say (laughs). Yeah, we do miss Kyrie. We do. He’s part of our team. But like I said, we’ve been generating great shots. We’ve been getting in the paint. We just gotta knock them down.”

Are the Brooklyn Nets just facing a bump in the road?

Just like last season, Durant has been the one holding the fort for the Nets. Putting up great performances every night by one superstar can only take the team so far. James Harden has also been struggling to get back to his best form after his hamstring injury last season. And let’s not forget the rule changes that are tampering his attempt to get more points on the free-throw line.

Oct 27, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills (8) fights for a rebound against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The argument can be made that the season has only just begun. There is no reason for fans to panic because the Brooklyn Nets still have plenty of time to pick up their slack. The only question remains; will Irving’s absence be their biggest hurdle in winning a championship this season?

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets Take Major Step Towards Trading Kyrie Irving As Kevin Durant Regains Form

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