Tag: Barclays Center

Ben Simmons to play in Game 4 vs. Celtics?

Game 4 on Monday may be Nets’ last of the season. It could also be Ben Simmons’ first. Nets coach Steve Nash was non-committal about Simmons being able to suit up Monday against the Celtics, but the young All-Star went through a third high-intensity …

Game 4 on Monday may be Nets’ last of the season. It could also be Ben Simmons’ first. Nets coach Steve Nash was non-committal about Simmons being able to suit up Monday against the Celtics, but the young All-Star went through a third high-intensity contact workout on Saturday and seems on course for Game 4. That game will be do-or-die after the Nets lost Game 3 to the Celtics 109-103 at Barclays Center. “I think it’s possible [for Simmons to play]. But I’m not sure,” Nash said. “It’s not a normal return to play being out nine months and being injured as long as he has been. At the back end of this, it’s been about two months or more.

Source: Brian Lewis @ New York Post

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Lol bringing Ben Simmons back makes no sense all, but nothing during the Nets’ season has made sense so bring it on. 😂 – 1:44 AM
David Morrow @_DavidMorrow
Ben Simmons really gonna make his debut down 3-0?? – 12:12 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
LOTS to take in on this NBA Saturday … but mostly wrestling with how wild it would be if Ben Simmons really does come back for Game 4 and the Nets get swept and Simmons’ season consists of zero regular-season games and one playoff game.
#thisleague
marcstein.Substack.com – 11:48 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Ben Simmons is reportedly hoping to make his Nets debut in Game 4 against the Celtics.
But is playing Simmons and throwing him to the wolves while down 0-3 the right move for Brooklyn? Our @basketbllnews staff shared their thoughts here: basketballnews.com/stories/nba-ro… – 10:27 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
What a setup to debut Ben Simmons 😬 – 10:02 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
dont worry Ben Simmons will save them. – 10:01 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Reports say Ben Simmons could return on Monday for Game 4. But with the Nets down 3-0 to the Celtics, what’s your prediction for his Game 4 status? – 10:01 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
So, the Nets are just gonna throw Ben Simmons out there in Game 4 with the team facing elimination? Yikes. – 10:01 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
you have to appreciate ben simmons’ sense of comedic timing – 10:01 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Sloppy Nets fall behind 0-3 to Celtics. Looked disorganized much of night. But Ben Simmons will be back just in time for G 4. – 10:00 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Celtics beat the Nets 109-103. Boston leads the series 3-0. Bruce Brown scored 26 points in 40 minutes to lead Brooklyn. Robert Williams return was moot and Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined to shoot 12-for-28 from the field. Game 4 is Monday. Ben Simmons might play. – 10:00 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
The is Ben Simmons returning in a series down 3-0 subplot just got more interesting. – 10:00 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Ben Simmons is dressed to depress… – 8:33 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
So is Ben Simmons taking the Bruce Brown minutes?? – 8:28 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Got to hope that Ben Simmons suits up for Game 4 just so there is no chance of seeing this bizarre outfit again that even Spike wouldn’t wear. – 8:07 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash on Ben Simmons debuting for the #Nets in Monday’s Game 4. #Celtics #NBA pic.twitter.com/lIL5WDGais – 7:31 PM

Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Nets’ Ben Simmons gets up a few shots before Game 3 vs. Celtics pic.twitter.com/WxYee2ddag – 7:02 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Ben Simmons getting some pregame work in pic.twitter.com/Nd5HsvcQST – 7:00 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Here is Steve Nash, full pregame on various Ben Simmons return questions
#NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/N829ws7Vij – 6:22 PM

Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
“It doesn’t matter what the score is, if it’s 3-0 or 2-1 as to whether he comes back. It’s whether or not Ben {Simmons} is ready to play”
Steve Nash – sounding very much like someone who’s not convinced Ben Simmons is ready to play. – 5:55 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“It’s all a matter if Ben (Simmons) is ready to play.”
⁃Steve Nash on Ben Simmons returning still even if the Nets go down 3-0 in the series – 5:54 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“It’s not a normal return to play having to be out 9 months.”
⁃Steve Nash on Ben Simmons returning in Game 4 – 5:52 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
Steve Nash said Ben Simmons did 3-on-3 work today. Nash said he thinks it’s “possible” Simmons plays in Game 4, but pointed out that this isn’t a normal return to play situation. – 5:52 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said Ben Simmons played 3-on-3 today. Calls Monday’s game “possible” for Simmons to play in. – 5:51 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Steve Nash confirms Ben Simmons had a workout today and there’s no signs of a setback. – 5:50 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash says Ben Simmons came out of his scrimmage Friday fine. And he worked out again this morning with teammates. No setbacks so far. – 5:50 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said Ben Simmons worked out this morning “with some of the guys.” Said he got through the session today with no setback. – 5:50 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Column: It would be irresponsible for the Nets to play Ben Simmons in Game 4 if they’re down 0-3. Here are all the reasons why. trib.al/vQC4fkf – 1:39 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Rookies to average 15/7/3 since 2000:
Blake Griffin
Ben Simmons
Luka Doncic
Scottie Barnes
All of them won ROTY. pic.twitter.com/ERvYZLRw5F – 1:19 PM

More on this storyline

“It’s not just he got through three workouts and he’s ready to play. There’s a bigger picture, bigger context to how he’s feeling, and how he’d be able to adapt to the environment. There are a few factors that play here to evaluate when he’s ready to play.” Blake Griffin made his first appearance since April 2. He had eight points, one rebound and hit 2-for-3 from deep. “We all just need to take a look in the mirror and watch the tape and be real with ourselves and ask ourselves what we can do to be better, because it’s top to bottom,” Griffin said. -via New York Post / April 24, 2022

Later, after Morey saved his job with …

Later, after Morey saved his job with help from powerful supporters who championed his right to free speech, the Nets quietly refunded Morey’s purchase of a suite for a Rockets game at Barclays Center. Morey believed Tsai had disinvited him, according to a person who was scheduled to attend. A source close to the Nets said Tsai was unaware of the decision, which was related to concerns about possible protests. Morey declined comment for this story. Tsai is hardly the only NBA owner heavily exposed in China.

Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving not being vaccinated: ‘It’s pretty obvious he’s not going to take the shot’

Durant called out New York City Mayor Eric Adams by name after a March 13 win over the New York Knicks, on the same day Irving, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, sat courtside at Barclays Center, but could not play in the game because of the …

Durant called out New York City Mayor Eric Adams by name after a March 13 win over the New York Knicks, on the same day Irving, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, sat courtside at Barclays Center, but could not play in the game because of the city’s mandate. Durant acknowledged what many in the Nets organization have known for months, and that Irving himself has made clear since returning as a part-time player on Jan. 5 — he will not be getting the shot. “I mean, what is it, April almost?” Durant said. “It’s pretty obvious that he’s not going to take the shot. So like I said, just focus on who you are and what you bring to the team every day and once that situation gets figured out, then it will. It’s out of my control, it’s out of everybody else’s control. So you can’t force anybody to do anything. So just try to just focus on me.”

Source: Nick Friedell @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
LaMarcus Aldridge nicknamed him Instant Offense. He’s debated with Kevin Durant on who was the better young scorer. The way the Nets talked about Cam Thomas this year, he sounds like a Space Jam character. But there’s more him than that. Today’s story: theathletic.com/3196861/2022/0… – 10:06 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Jaren Jackson Jr. has recorded 24 games with multiple 3PM and multiple blocks this season.
Only four players in NBA history have recorded more such games in a season:
30 – Brook Lopez, 2018-19
28 – Rasheed Wallace, 2005-06
28 – Kevin Durant, 2017-18
27 – Danny Granger, 2008-09 pic.twitter.com/psPsMMjzDU – 9:21 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
No surprises on Nets injury report for tomorrow against the Jazz. Irving, Harris, Simmons, Aldridge all out. Day’Ron Sharpe and David Duke Jr. are with Long Island. – 7:14 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Nets status report for Jazz:
Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 4:56 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Aldridge, Duke, Harris, Sharpe, Simmons, Irving all OUT for the Nets tomorrow against the Utah Jazz – 4:55 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
70 players have taken 100 off the bounce 3 point shots this season
1. Duncan Robinson 44%
2. Desmond Bane 41%
3. Jrue Holiday 40.5%
4. Mike Conley 40.4%
5. Tyrese Mexey 40.4%
6. Tyrese Hailburton 40.1%
7. Kevin Durant 39.3%
8. Darius Garland 39.2%
9. Eric Gordon 38.5% – 1:30 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD and Kyrie getting some shots up after practice. Simmons not on the floor with his teammates as practice wraps up. We’ll get another update from Nash soon. pic.twitter.com/USaxDIM9sM – 12:05 PM

Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
New Jersey hoop rankings:
1. St. Peter’s. 2. Karl Anthony Towns. 3. Kyrie. 4. Camden High School. – 10:51 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Kyrie Irving dropped 60 points in the Nets’ win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
@Grady tells @Rick Kamla and @adaniels33 he’s never seen anyone quite like Kyrie. #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/SRCd2FNF1A – 8:49 PM
Ryan Ward @RyanWardLA
Frank Vogel hilariously says he told Russell Westbrook if he taught Kevin Durant that move to pull back his foot behind the 3-point line that it would’ve changed the course of NBA history with the Nets beating the eventual champion Bucks last year in the playoffs. – 6:40 PM
Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Frank Vogel says he told Russell Westbrook he was happy for him this morning and also joked and said if he taught KD that footwork on the three he could’ve changed history, and Brooklyn wins that series. – 6:40 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Notebook: Kevin Durant says Joel Embiid is the likely NBA MVP + Seth Curry explains his lingering ankle injury: “It’s something I’m just going to have to manage and deal with until the offseason.”
For @NYDNSports: nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 2:02 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2010, the @Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 15,000 career points (age in years-days):
✅ James (25-079)
✅ Kevin Durant (26-078)
✅ Kobe Bryant (27-136)
✅ Wilt Chamberlain (27-156)
✅ Carmelo Anthony (27-234) pic.twitter.com/7ebEdeeY0x – 12:01 PM

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from March 18:
– K. Durant: 38 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast
– L. James: 36 pts, 9 reb, 7 ast
– N. Jokic: 32 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast
– C. Wood: 32 pts, 13 reb, 7 ast
– S. Barnes: 31 pts, 17 reb, 6 ast
– L. Markkanen: 31 pts, 10 reb, +21
– D. Sabonis: 30 pts, 20 reb, 5 ast – 11:41 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most go-ahead or game-tying shots in the final 60 seconds since Russ entered the league:
53 — Russell Westbrook
52 — Damian Lillard
51 — Kevin Durant
51 — LeBron James pic.twitter.com/7zqGthBgXo – 11:08 AM

Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Kevin Durant has played 7 games this season without Kyrie Irving or James Harden. In those games, he has averaged:
37.7 points
50% FG
8.1 assists
The Nets are 5-2 in those games. – 9:45 AM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Seth Curry returns with seven 3s to prevent the constant double-teaming faced Wednesday by Kevin Durant, who scores 38 points.
“You shouldn’t be able to run two or three guys at a player the entire game without having to pay for it,” Curry said.
apnews.com/article/brookl… – 9:23 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Is KD frustrated he won’t win MVP cause of his knee injury?
“No it’s not frustrating. I’ve experienced what it’s like to win MVP and that doesn’t validate me as a hum- player…. It’s always great to get some…some hometown love… but I understand the type of player that I am.” pic.twitter.com/kRwOFWTzDw – 11:30 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Is it frustrating knowing you’d be at heart of MVP conversation had it not been for knee injury?
KD: “It’s not frustrating. I’ve experienced what it’s like to win an MVP. And that doesn’t validate me as a player. I know what I can do … [Injuries] are just a part of the game.” – 11:11 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant for me, those are my top three [for MVP] and I’ll probably go Joel. Jokic, you can throw throw Jokic in there. But I’ll probably go Joel.”
-Sounds like Kevin Durant gives his vote for MVP to Joel Embiid. pic.twitter.com/755IgFVoMG – 11:01 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD said that if he had an MVP vote — he would probably give it to Embiid right now.
He said DeRozan and Ja would be in his top three. He’d also throw Jokic in there. – 10:56 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant says he thinks the MVP race this year is between Joel Embiid, DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant and Nikola Jokic. Says his pick is Joel Embiid, but says the award can go any way. – 10:55 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant asked to pick the league’s MVP, said he’d go with Joel Embiid, but said his top four are Ja Morant, Jokic, Embiid and DeMar DeRozan. – 10:54 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kevin Durant says it’s not frustrating for him to think that getting injured may have cost him the MVP. He thinks Joel Embiid, DeRozan, Morant, Jokic are the top. And he thinks Embiid will get it. – 10:54 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kevin Durant says it’s cool to look at the standings sometimes but they’re more focused on playing their best ball. – 10:51 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Durant says it can be frustrating sometimes facing so many double or triple teams but it helps him improve. Says he’s seen it since Nov. – 10:51 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kevin Durant says it was huge having Seth Curry back out there, someone efficient from all angles on the floor. Happy Curry’s ankle is getting better. – 10:50 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant got the help he didn’t have against Dallas: No, not Kyrie Irving, but sharpshooter Seth Curry, who returned from an ankle injury to pepper the Trail Blazers with a barrage of 3s.
This + a standings check and tiebreaker scenarios w/CLE & TOR:
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 10:44 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“They’re just doubling Kev [Durant] and then teams are still trying to disrespect me like I can’t hoop so I’m just taking advantage of it….definitely puts a chip on my shoulder.”
-Bruce Brown on capitalizing off the attention KD gets, and the work he puts in behind the scenes. pic.twitter.com/D5LBYfMBzg – 10:41 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash was asked if there’s an emotional let down when Kyrie Irving isn’t in the lineup. Said he thinks it’s more of a talent deficit than emotional let down. – 10:19 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
KD just doing KD things:
38 PTS
6 REB
6 AST
11-15 FG
Nets have won 5 of their last 6 games. pic.twitter.com/T34w78GILN – 10:14 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
The Nets win it 128-123.
KD finishes with with 38 points. The Blazers did the same thing late that everybody has been doing — doubling him and forcing somebody else to beat them.
The Nets are 37-34. – 10:07 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets beat the Blazers 128-123 to cap a wild week. Brooklyn has won four of five, yet still sits firmly in the eight spot in the East. Tough week ahead next week. Jazz, Grizz and Heat. KD had 38, Seth Curry had 27, Bruce and Drum 17 each and Cam Thomas with 11. – 10:06 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kevin Durant for some reason just fouled Justise Winslow attempting a 3-pointer. Nets challenge, which means we have to watch multiple replays of Kevin Durant for some reason fouling Justise Winslow attempting a 3. Call stands. – 9:54 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Evidence that the mandates are backwards: The ball bounced into the crowd, and a fan threw it to Bruce Brown, who inbounded the ball. That fan is not required to show proof of vaccination. But Kyrie, who has to pass COVID tests every day to be eligible, can’t play. – 9:44 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets lead the Blazers 117-109 with 4:50 left. Five Nets in double-figures. KD has 36, Seth Curry with 25 and Cam Thomas up to 11 on 5-for-8 shooting. Thomas appears to be over the back issue. – 9:44 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Seth Curry has hit back-to-back 3s to give the Nets a 111-101 lead here with 7:56 to go in Q4. He’s done this with Kevin Durant on the bench, which is the best news. Durant will close this game soon. – 9:36 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Nets open the fourth with a 10-0 run so far with Durant on the bench. Have opened a 111-101 lead over the Blazers. – 9:36 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Nets and Blazers tied at 101. Kevin Durant with 36 points on 11-for-15 shooting. Four starters in double-figures, Goran Dragic a point shy of joining them. He has 10 assists, too, a season-high. – 9:27 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kevin Durant has woken the Nets up. He’s got 34.
He’s 11-for-14 from the field. 10-for-11 from the free throw line. It would have been a hell of an MVP race with Jokic and Embiid if he had stayed healthy. – 9:18 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Nets have seized control of this game, with Kevin Durant hitting a 3 to make this a 96-94 game. The Nets have outscored the Trail Blazers, 34-19, in the 3rd quarter. Timeout, Brooklyn. – 9:17 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant hits a 3 and the Nets have the lead back. – 9:16 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Per Nets PR:
Kevin Durant has scored a game-high 31 points, his 19th 30-point game of the season.
That’s tied for the fifth-most 30-point games in a season in Nets NBA history . – 9:13 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Timeout, Trail Blazers: The Nets have built some momentum but still trail, 85-76, here at the 8:06 mark in the 3rd quarter. Kevin Durant is up to 27 points on 8/10 FG but has 5 turnovers. POR has 5 players w/12+ PTS. Nets are picking up the energy some but still work to be done. – 8:58 PM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
👀 tonight’s Nike KD 14 for @Kevin Durant at home! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/0BZ9tz9Gks – 8:51 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
A 75 point first half by the retooling Trail Blazers in Brooklyn.
We can talk all about the 50 and 60 point Kyrie Irving games on the road but it will not mean anything if the Nets can’t win home games. – 8:37 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Trail Blazers, who only average 107 points per game as a team, have opened up a 75-62 lead over the Nets at the half. It sounds like a morgue at Barclays Center. This would be a terrible loss for the Nets, and they’ll need to rely on Kevin Durant yet again to survive. – 8:36 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Nets trail the Blazers 75-62. BAD defensive half for Brooklyn. Four Blazers in double-figures, including Ben McLemore, who has 15 off the bench. Kevin Durant already has 22. Nets have nine turnovers for 19 points. – 8:36 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Durant is 7 for 8 for 21 points, Nets are shooting 60.5% – and they’re losing by nine to Portland, which has 70 points before halftime. – 8:33 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Trail Blazers have opened up a 68-59 lead over the Nets here at Barclays Center. The Nets are being careless with the ball and are running virtually everything through Kevin Durant, who’s up to 21 points on 7/8 FG in the first half. – 8:32 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
9 turnovers for the Nets in this first half: 4 from KD, 3 from Dragic. – 8:31 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond have scored 42 of the Nets’ 55 points. – 8:29 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant, Nic Claxton and Kessler Edwards are set to check back in. – 8:20 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Poor defensive effort so far from the Nets against the tanking Blazers. KD has 13 points already — but Brooklyn is just kind of going through the motions right now against a team they should roll over. – 8:07 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets lead the Trailblazers 34-33. Two DMV kids running the show so far. Kevin Durant has 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting. Josh Hart has 10 on 4-for-7. Seth Curry, not from the DMV, already has three 3s in his first game back. – 8:07 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
End of Q1: Nets 34, Trail Blazers 33
A snoozer through one. KD has 13, Josh Hart has 10 and Seth Curry has 9. Trail Blazers have scored 20 PTS in the paint, Nets have scored 18. – 8:07 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Timeout, Portland: The Trail Blazers’ interior defense has been absolutely awful. Nic Claxton, Andre Drummond and Kevin Durant have had their way finishing a the rim and the Nets have 16 early points in the paint.
BKN 29, POR 23
Nets have the momentum. – 7:59 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant just threw a touchdown pass to Bruce Brown. – 7:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
MVP chants for Kevin Durant at the foul line – 7:47 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kevin Durant fined $25,000 for telling fan to “shut the f*** up” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/03/18/kev… – 7:01 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters vs. Portland: Dragic, Curry, Durant, Brown and Drummond. – 7:00 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Chauncey: “It’s just so crazy how they’re like two different teams, when [Kyrie] plays and when he doesn’t. Both teams real dang good, but if they can ever line it up when both dudes are playing and playing at a high level, it’s going to be very scary. Especially when Ben plays” – 6:37 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Kyrie Irving popped up at Barclays over the weekend. @Chris Haynes thinks it’s a farce. I think if he’s standing on principle, be willing to accept the consequences pic.twitter.com/dzV1pwncnj – 6:18 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Billups called Kevin Durant “one of the most unguardable players in the history of our game.” – 6:05 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant was fined $25,000 for directing obscene language toward a fan. The incident – which was more comedic that testy – happened with :09.4 left in the second quarter of the #Nets’ 113-111 Monday loss to the #Mavericks. #NBA – 5:15 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
NBA fines Kevin Durant $25,000 for language toward fan
sportando.basketball/en/nba-fines-k… – 5:14 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
KD has been fined $25K for directing obscene language towards a fan – 4:44 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
NBA announced that Kevin Durant has been fined $25,000 “for directing obscene language toward a fan” during the Nets’ loss to Dallas on Wednesday. – 4:44 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The #NBA has fined Brooklyn Nets standout forward Kevin Durant $25,000 for obscene language directed at a fan. – 4:43 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
As he expected, Nets star Kevin Durant is fined $25,000 by the league for directing obscene language at a fan. Details here: pic.twitter.com/fsmks7Aten – 4:43 PM

Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
The NBA has fined Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant $25,000 for obscene language directed at a fan. – 4:41 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
Nets superstar Kevin Durant has been fined $25,000 for directing obscene language toward a fan, the NBA just announced. – 4:40 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Nets star Kevin Durant has been fined $25,000 for directing obscene language toward a fan Wednesday night in Brooklyn. – 4:40 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Broke a lot of what we know about the Kyrie Irving situation down with @netw3rk on his show ALL CAPS
Full episode: https://t.co/ntsA0WV5GD pic.twitter.com/mRJ9g9UTMl – 1:48 PM

More on this storyline

Kevin Durant says Kyrie Irving is “frustrated” that he still cannot play Nets home games because of New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, but also thinks Brooklyn’s championship window extends beyond this season regardless of when his star teammate returns on a fulltime basis. “He’s frustrated in not being able to play,” Durant said after Monday’s shootaround. “He figured this stuff would be rolled back by now, we’d be way past this. But it’s the situation we’re in, we got to deal with it, he’s got to deal with it. Trusting that it’ll get figured out there soon. I have no clue what may happen, but I’m just trusting that things will work itself out. But I’m sure he misses playing in front of a home crowd and the home crowd, vice versa, they miss him. So hopefully we get it figured out soon.” -via ESPN / March 21, 2022
Protestors rallied outside Barclays Center on Friday in support of Kyrie Irving. While it’s uncertain if any more demonstrations are planned when the Nets play host to the Jazz on Monday, or in the immediate future, it’s clear the situation continues to be divisive. The protestors held signs that read “Wake Up New York” and “Brooklyn Loves Kyrie.” Others ripped up Nets tickets along with photos of Mayor Eric Adams, angered that he hasn’t repealed private sector vaccine mandates that bar the All-Star from playing home games. Adams hasn’t offered any timetable and city health commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan was equally vague Friday. “I think it’s indefinite at this point,” Dr. Vasan said. “People who’ve tried to predict what’s going to happen in the future for this pandemic have repeatedly found egg on their face, as they say. I’m not going to do that here.” -via New York Post / March 20, 2022

Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving not being vaccinated: ‘It’s pretty obvious he’s not going to take the shot’

Durant called out New York City Mayor Eric Adams by name after a March 13 win over the New York Knicks, on the same day Irving, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, sat courtside at Barclays Center, but could not play in the game because of the city’s mandate. Durant acknowledged what many in the Nets organization have known for months, and that Irving himself has made clear since returning as a part-time player on Jan. 5 — he will not be getting the shot. “I mean, what is it, April almost?” Durant said. “It’s pretty obvious that he’s not going to take the shot. So like I said, just focus on who you are and what you bring to the team every day and once that situation gets figured out, then it will. It’s out of my control, it’s out of everybody else’s control. So you can’t force anybody to do anything. So just try to just focus on me.”

Protestors rally behind Kyrie Irving against NYC vaccine mandate

Protestors rallied outside Barclays Center on Friday in support of Kyrie Irving. While it’s uncertain if any more demonstrations are planned when the Nets play host to the Jazz on Monday, or in the immediate future, it’s clear the situation …

Protestors rallied outside Barclays Center on Friday in support of Kyrie Irving. While it’s uncertain if any more demonstrations are planned when the Nets play host to the Jazz on Monday, or in the immediate future, it’s clear the situation continues to be divisive. The protestors held signs that read “Wake Up New York” and “Brooklyn Loves Kyrie.” Others ripped up Nets tickets along with photos of Mayor Eric Adams, angered that he hasn’t repealed private sector vaccine mandates that bar the All-Star from playing home games. Adams hasn’t offered any timetable and city health commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan was equally vague Friday. “I think it’s indefinite at this point,” Dr. Vasan said. “People who’ve tried to predict what’s going to happen in the future for this pandemic have repeatedly found egg on their face, as they say. I’m not going to do that here.”

Source: Brian Lewis @ New York Post

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
New Jersey hoop rankings:
1. St. Peter’s. 2. Karl Anthony Towns. 3. Kyrie. 4. Camden High School. – 10:51 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Kyrie Irving dropped 60 points in the Nets’ win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
@Grady tells @Rick Kamla and @adaniels33 he’s never seen anyone quite like Kyrie. #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/SRCd2FNF1A – 8:49 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Kevin Durant has played 7 games this season without Kyrie Irving or James Harden. In those games, he has averaged:
37.7 points
50% FG
8.1 assists
The Nets are 5-2 in those games. – 9:45 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant got the help he didn’t have against Dallas: No, not Kyrie Irving, but sharpshooter Seth Curry, who returned from an ankle injury to pepper the Trail Blazers with a barrage of 3s.
This + a standings check and tiebreaker scenarios w/CLE & TOR:
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 10:44 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash was asked if there’s an emotional let down when Kyrie Irving isn’t in the lineup. Said he thinks it’s more of a talent deficit than emotional let down. – 10:19 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Evidence that the mandates are backwards: The ball bounced into the crowd, and a fan threw it to Bruce Brown, who inbounded the ball. That fan is not required to show proof of vaccination. But Kyrie, who has to pass COVID tests every day to be eligible, can’t play. – 9:44 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
A 75 point first half by the retooling Trail Blazers in Brooklyn.
We can talk all about the 50 and 60 point Kyrie Irving games on the road but it will not mean anything if the Nets can’t win home games. – 8:37 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Chauncey: “It’s just so crazy how they’re like two different teams, when [Kyrie] plays and when he doesn’t. Both teams real dang good, but if they can ever line it up when both dudes are playing and playing at a high level, it’s going to be very scary. Especially when Ben plays” – 6:37 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Kyrie Irving popped up at Barclays over the weekend. @Chris Haynes thinks it’s a farce. I think if he’s standing on principle, be willing to accept the consequences pic.twitter.com/dzV1pwncnj – 6:18 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Broke a lot of what we know about the Kyrie Irving situation down with @netw3rk on his show ALL CAPS
Full episode: https://t.co/ntsA0WV5GD pic.twitter.com/mRJ9g9UTMl – 1:48 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Between Karl Anthony Towns, Kyrie Irving and Shaheen Holloway it’s been a good week for New Jersey basketball – 10:35 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The Orlando Magic defense have allowed 111 points to Kyrie Irving and Saddiq Bey in the last 2 games. pic.twitter.com/29H1ySLMTc – 9:49 PM

Lang Greene @LangGreene
Guys like Kyrie Irving … Hope you’re enjoying the goodness while you can. Those kind of dudes don’t hang around long … they eventually leave unexpectedly like Barry, Megatron, Bjorn, Luck, Jim Brown, etc. – 9:46 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Just this past week:
50 — LeBron James
53 — Kevin Durant
60 — Karl-Anthony Towns
60 — Kyrie Irving
51 — Saddiq Bey
FIVE 50-piece in SEVEN days. pic.twitter.com/IYcFqHZ1ZE – 9:45 PM

J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
No disrespect to Saddiq Bey, but he just dropped 51. Totally devalues the 60 Kyrie dropped at Amway the other night. #MagicPistons 🤷🏾‍♂️ – 9:38 PM
David Baumann @DavidBaumannORL
The @Orlando Magic gave up 60 to Kyrie on Tuesday.
51 to Saddiq Bey tonight.
SGA has a chance to go for 100 on Sunday v Orlando. – 9:33 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
Before the March 15 games, the Magic had the No. 1 post-break defense in the league.
In the two games since then, Kyrie Irving dropped 60 and Saddiq Bey dropped 51 on the Magic. – 9:33 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Add Saddiq Bey to the growing list…
Over the last two weeks in the NBA we’ve had:
Six 50-point games (LeBron James 2x, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Bey)
And two 60-point games over the last two days (Karl-Anthony Towns and Kyrie) – 9:30 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Saddiq Bey with 49 10 boards and 10 3s
Kyrie Irving one thing, but damn Orlando! – 9:21 PM
Khobi Price @khobi_price
The spirit of Kyrie Irving must’ve taken over Saddiq Bey tonight.
Bey has 25 points with over 4 minutes left in the 2Q. – 7:59 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets status report for Friday vs. Portland: Curry (left ankle soreness) – QUESTIONABLE
Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Duke Jr. (G League – two-way) – OUT
Harris (left ankle surgery) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 5:41 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Per Nets
– 3/18 vs. Portland:
Curry (left ankle soreness) – QUESTIONABLE
Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 5:40 PM
Greg Dickerson @gregdickerson13
NYC braces for St. Patrick’s Day without COVID restrictions: ‘Green vomit all the way!’ nypost.com/2022/03/17/st-… via @nypost
Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing kyrie get screwed, but u can pack bars w hundreds, but an un vax guy can’t play in a basketball game? I don’t get it – 10:27 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
From last night’s game, it was point guard day for the Nets. Ben Simmons had an epidural, Goran Dragic came into his own, Kyrie Irving didn’t attend and Spencer Dinwiddie reminded his old team of what they could have had: theathletic.com/3191584/2022/0… – 10:20 AM

More on this storyline

Nick Friedell: Kyrie says he’s still confident that the vaccine mandate in NYC will get rolled back and he’ll be able to play at Barclays this season. He also says he plans to attend tomorrow’s game — and jokes he’ll wear a media pass. -via Twitter @NickFriedell / March 16, 2022
Nick Friedell: KD “Me and Kyrie had conversations about the vaccine and what it meant to him, meant to me. At the end of the day I didn’t think it was my decision on what he wanted to do with the vaccine. I gave him how I felt about it and we talked about it, but that’s ultimately his decision” -via Twitter @NickFriedell / March 16, 2022

Kyrie Irving joining Nets teammates in the locker room at halftime

Shams Charania: Kyrie Irving is joining his Nets teammates and coaches in the locker room at halftime, sources say. Irving is able to move freely inside Barclays Center as a spectator – a special one, at that – but is not able to play. Source: …

Shams Charania: Kyrie Irving is joining his Nets teammates and coaches in the locker room at halftime, sources say. Irving is able to move freely inside Barclays Center as a spectator — a special one, at that — but is not able to play.

Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Mayor Adams:
“Listen, you’re right. Kyrie can play tomorrow. Get vaccinated.”
pic.twitter.com/fISUXCDNia – 2:25 PM

Bryan Kalbrosky @BryanKalbrosky
“Irving is able to move freely inside Barclays Center as a spectator — a special one, at that.” – 2:18 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
HALFTIME: Nets 62, Knicks 60
Kyrie Irving is in the building and is now walking on the court, baseline with his teammates into the locker room. There are #FreeKyrie chants at Barclays Center.
At this point the mandates are foolish. He is here & on the court. Why can’t he play? – 2:14 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Nets lead the Knicks 62-60. Kevin Durant already has 27. Brooklyn is low on shooters with no Curry, Irving, Aldridge and Harris. Drummond has 13 down low. Goran Dragic is the only Net not named KD to hit a 3 so far. – 2:13 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie’s trip to his seats maybe the second-biggest mid-game entrance in Nets’ Barclays history, behind Prince William and Kate showing up in the third quarter to see LeBron and the Cavs in 2014. – 2:10 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Also strange — they just showed Kyrie on the video board — and there didn’t seem to be much of a response. There were some cheers, and Kyrie touched his heart and seemed appreciative — but you would figure the crowd would have gone wild. That did not happen. – 2:10 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The WiFi at Barclays Center is poor, so my video won’t load. Kyrie walked from opposite-side tunnel, through the left side of the crowd. He dapped up several people standing on the court, then took his courtside seats.
Vax mandate allows Irving to sit 2 ft away, but not play. – 2:09 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Scattered applause when the Barclays Center screen shows Kyrie Irving in the building for the first time this season. #nets pic.twitter.com/MntvMEp2Gm – 2:07 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Such a strange scene — Cameras following Kyrie everywhere as he talks to some people sitting courtside — while his team is playing a game a few feet in front of him. – 2:07 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving with a fashionably late arrival at Barclays Center, going through the crowd. #nets #knickd pic.twitter.com/1C8HhWRg0I – 2:03 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kyrie Irving is in the building. Greeting fans in the stands as he walks to his court side seats opposite Nets bench. – 2:00 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kyrie has entered Barclays. A few “Free Kyrie!” chants have started as he makes his way to his courtside seat. He is sitting right across from the Nets bench. – 2:00 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Kyrie Irving has arrived at Barclays Center fashionably late. – 2:00 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie Irving making his way to his seats late second quarter. A “Free Kyrie!” chant breaks out as he walks by. – 1:59 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving is in the building. – 1:58 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Do a Who’s in the House for Kyrie Irving @barclayscenter – 1:50 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Do a ‘Who’s In The House’ for Kyrie @barclayscenter – 1:47 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets lead the Knicks 35-30. Kevin Durant has 16 points. Brooklyn has eight assists on 13 field goals. Good ball movement so far. No sign of Kyrie Irving yet. – 1:39 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Wonder if Kyrie is checking out the Crown Club before he makes his way to his seats. – 1:30 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Someone tell Kyrie to wear his jersey and shorts to the game today. – 1:30 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
“MVP” chants in the building, so maybe Kyrie brought Jokic with him. – 1:14 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Hypothetical: If Kyrie Irving were to walk across the court from is courtside seats and join in the huddle, what happens? Can he do that and just walk back to his seats? Does security have to stop him when the Nets wouldn’t have a problem with it? – 1:11 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
As reported on ABC: Kyrie Irving is expected to be in Barclays Center today but he will not be on the bench with the team. He will be sitting in his purchased, courtside seats. – 1:07 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from Barclays. Nets-Knicks tip shortly. Currently trying to find Kyrie as if he’s Waldo. This will mark his first Nets game of the season…as a fan. On the court, BK is going for its third straight win. With Magic & Blazers this week, the runway is there for some wins. – 12:59 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
The Kyrie Irving situation is certainly the center of attention.
Here’s one ? I don’t understand
Why is Irving allowed to attend work (and practice) at the Nets practice facility that is located in Brooklyn but not play home games that are also located in Brooklyn? – 12:58 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Nets neeeeeed to show Kyrie on the Jumbotron today – 12:58 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Kyrie is going to be somewhere in Barclay’s today, even though he can’t play. Taking bets on where he will sit. Courtside? Behind the basket? Luxury suite? Press box? OK, it won’t be the press box. – 12:56 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving will sit courtside, maskless, to watch Nets game Sunday he can’t play in nba.nbcsports.com/2022/03/13/kyr… – 12:47 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Kyrie Irving is expected to attend today’s Nets game at the Barclay Center as a spectator, per @Shams Charania. pic.twitter.com/3vcRKGHMie – 12:40 PM

John Schuhmann @johnschuhmann
I’m neither a virus expert nor familiar w/ the mayor’s/city’s thinking, but I imagine the logic behind the Kyrie can’t play/can watch thing starts w/ this: You’re more likely to get compliance by threatening a person’s job than threatening their ability to go out. – 12:28 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Don’t let a senseless NYC rule distract you from the fact that Kyrie Irving willingly chose and continues to choose this path.
It’s a dumb rule.
But Kyrie isn’t a victim or martyr here either. – 12:21 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“His conditioning has improved.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving. – 11:25 AM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Steve Nash says he hasn’t seen Kyrie Irving yet but expects him at Barclays Center today. Can watch game against Knicks but can’t play in it. – 11:24 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Steve Nash admits Kyrie Irving is irreplaceable. – 11:23 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Steve Nash says he expects Kyrie Irving to be at Barclays Center in the stands today for Knicks-Nets. Due to his vaccination status and NYC’s vaccine mandates, Irving can’t play on the court today but he can watch the game as a spectator. – 11:22 AM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nash says he believes Kyrie will be here today at Barclays to watch the game. – 11:21 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving is expected to sit courtside to support teammates at Nets-Knicks on Sunday afternoon at Barclays Center.
Irving is able to attend the game as a spectator, move freely, maskless … but cannot play due to private sector mandate. – 11:21 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash believes Kyrie Irving is coming to Barclays (for what would be his first appearance as a spectator) isn’t sure if he’s here yet. Doesn’t want to wade into the situation with an opinion. – 11:21 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said he hasn’t seen Kyrie Irving today, but expects him to be in the building as the new rules allow him into Barclays Center, but not on the court. – 11:21 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I’m just going to stay out of it.”
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving not being allowed to play at Barclays Center. – 11:20 AM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Toronto passing Cleveland would be big for the Nets since they wouldn’t have to travel to Toronto for the play-in and not have Kyrie in that game. Instead would face Cleveland with Kyrie. – 11:39 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Just like us all, Andre Drummond still doesn’t understand why Kyrie Irving can’t play home games.
Andre Drummond: “MAKE IT MAKE SENSE…”
Via Instagram pic.twitter.com/qSQNdYuIpi – 10:02 PM

Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
It wouldn’t be too complicated if Kyrie Irving had just gotten the vaccine but you really can’t make sense of a policy that allows him to sit in the stands to watch a college basketball game but prohibits him from playing a NBA game in the same building. pic.twitter.com/YwLmEokIKP – 9:02 PM

Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
Kyrie is sitting inside Barclays for the Duke game but can’t play there tomorrow against the Knicks. Makes perfect sense. – 8:46 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Under the current vaccine mandate, Kyrie Irving is only eligible for 4 of the Nets’ last 15 games. They won 2 out of 3 with him. It’s time to find out what they are without him. For ⁦@NYDNSports⁩ nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 8:03 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Why are the @Brooklyn Nets so dangerous in the post-season?
@adaniels33 tells @Rick Kamla it’s because of performances like Kyrie Irving this past Tuesday night
#NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/cEzCaSZltg – 5:45 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
No surprise, but Kyrie Irving is out against the Knicks tomorrow. He’ll be allowed to sit on the bench and watch, though. – 3:04 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
No LaMarcus Aldridge (hip), Ben Simmons (back) or Kyrie Irving (ineligible) tomorrow against the Knicks. – 3:02 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Per Nets PR:
Status Report for Knicks game:
Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Duke Jr. (left ankle sprain) – OUT
Harris (left ankle surgery) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 3:01 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets status report against the Knicks tomorrow: Aldridge (right hip impingement) – OUT
Duke Jr. (left ankle sprain) – OUT
Harris (left ankle surgery) – OUT
Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT
Irving – OUT – 3:01 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2015, the @Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving scored a career-high and franchise-record 57 points in a win over the Spurs.
Irving shot 7-7 on 3P and 10-10 on FT. He and Steve Smith are the only players in NBA history to make at least five 3P and 10 FT in a game without a miss. pic.twitter.com/0yYAF1e0nQ – 2:31 PM

More on this storyline

Anthony Puccio: Kyrie Irving walks to his courtside seats… in his home arena. pic.twitter.com/8NKAHwFrfm -via Twitter @APOOCH / March 13, 2022
Alex Schiffer: Kyrie Irving takes his seat to thunderous applause. pic.twitter.com/DGMNsO3mhS -via Twitter @Alex__Schiffer / March 13, 2022