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Billionaire Owner Seems to Double Down on Kyrie Irving as Kevin Durant’s Nets Seal a Win: “Let’s Put the Joy Back in Basketball”

Published 11/05/2022, 6:28 AM EDT

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The Brooklyn Nets just sealed their third win on November 4, 2022, but without the controversial Kyrie Irving. Since the NBA season 2022-23 began, the Nets have been facing more defeats than wins. The team has played in nine games so far and won only two. Given the recent controversy surrounding the team, fans probably thought that the Nets were headed for another loss. However, the team shocked everyone with an impressive win in their recent game against the Washington Wizards. Following their win, the Nets owner Joe Tsai took to Twitter to post about the team’s win.

The Brooklyn Nets faced the Washington Wizards on Friday night at the Capital One Arena. The Nets starters included Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, Nic Claxton, Edmond Sumner, and Joe Harris. This was the first game of the season that the team played without Kyrie Irving. The Nets defeated the Wizards by an impressive 128-86. KD scored 28 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Shortly afterward, billionaire owner Joe Tsai uploaded a short clip of the game where KD was visibly happy as the team was leading the game by 37 points.

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“Let’s put the joy back in basketball,” wrote Tsai.

At this point, fans might be wondering if the billionaire owner is indicating that the team is better off without Irving. While the Nets are currently basking in their victory, Irving is still in neck-deep in hot water and there is no saying what his future holds.

Kevin Durant Issues Stern 2 Word Response Amid Kyrie Irving’s Social Media Controversy

The Nets recently suspended Irving following his controversial tweet. The NBA champion had earlier promoted a movie that featured antisemitic beliefs. After refusing to apologize for the tweet, the Nets announced that Irving was “currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”

What happens to Kyrie Irving now?

The suspension of Kyrie Irving by the Brooklyn Nets has led fans to question Irving’s future in the team. Several months earlier, the Los Angeles Lakers were looking to acquire Irving in exchange for Russell Westbrook during the off-season. If the deal would have been successful then the Lakers would have been the ones in the spotlight right now. However, the trade never happened and Irving subsequently chose to remain with the Nets.

USA Today via Reuters

Following the suspension, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers never planned on offering Irving a long-term extension. Nevertheless, fans expressed relief that the deal fell through after the recent development.

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However, are the Lakers still interested in acquiring the seven-time NBA All-Star? The Lakers may feel they dodged a bullet, and perhaps will look to other options instead now. The recent return to form of Russell Westbrook is another factor the Lakers’ front office will have to consider before making any calls.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Kyrie Irving’s 5 Most Controversial Moments on NBA Court Amid Ugly Feud With Celtics Fans

Do you think Kyrie Irving will be able to find a team for next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Siyari Debbarma

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Siyari Debbarma is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering from Abascus Institute of Engineering and Management. She previously interned at the Y-East Organization as a content writer.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani