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Former NBA Champion Reveals the Main Factor That Will Determine Brooklyn Nets’ Fortunes

Published 08/30/2021, 9:58 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Ever since that game in Oracle Arena where Kyrie Irving hit a three, he has been regarded as an NBA legend. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA title after coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series 4-3. Fans would remember game seven for two iconic moments: LeBron James’ chase-down block and Irving’s deep three over Stephen Curry.

Fast forward several years, the 2016 NBA champion is looking to do it again with his current team Brooklyn Nets. However, things have not gone as planned in Brooklyn.

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Kyrie Irving must show commitment

In a recent interview, former NBA champion Robert Horry spoke about the problems that Brooklyn faces. Likewise, Irving’s mentality was questioned during the interview.

“He has been one of those iron men throughout the year. We look at last season and it shows if you don’t put the work in the offseason, it’ll bite you in the butt during the regular season. He got hamstring; he kept having those problems and I think watching what KD has done. He has catapulted himself as a true number one player in the league.”

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USA Today via Reuters

“But the key is – are you going to get Kyrie to be 100 percent committed to playing Brooklyn basketball?”

The Brooklyn Nets are one of the most exciting rosters in the NBA. Despite boasting incredible players, they could not move forward after failing to beat the eventual NBA champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Kyrie’s performances in that series were left a lot to be desired as he missed the final three games against the Bucks.

But why does he fail to live up during clutch moments?

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Irving should step up for Brooklyn Nets

Although he averaged 26.9 points and 6 assists per game during the regular season, the point guard couldn’t provide the spark in the playoffs. His averages came down to 22.7 points and 3.4 assists per game during the playoffs.

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That’s the biggest concern.

USA Today via Reuters

The shooting ability of Kyrie is never in doubt; he boasts an excellent repertoire of offensive skill sets. However, the ability to produce in the clutch moments matters. Brooklyn roster comprises some of the best players in the league. Kevin Durant is an incredible scorer. Like Horry mentioned, he is on another level. Likewise, James Harden facilitated the role of a playmaker now and could hurt the defense with his incredible passing.

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But for the team to win the NBA title, Kyrie Irving must come up with the goods. Arguably the greatest ball-handler in the game, Irving needs to come up with the goods.

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.
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