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.

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s Number 45, Kyrie Irving’s Number 2, and Other Iconic Moments When Teams Should Have Retired Jerseys

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.

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.

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.”

Top Stories

Caitlin Clark Dominates Key WNBA Metric Despite Injury-Plagued 2025

Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers Championship Teammate Faces Arrest For Violating Court Order

Respect Pours In for Caitlin Clark After Latest Offseason Announcement

4x MVP A’ja Wilson Makes Big Announcement Following TIME’s Athlete of the Year Nod

Arrest For Shaquille O’Neal’s Stolen Range Rover Made But More Bad News Awaits

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.

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