USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving is finally playing, and what a time to be back. He restarted his campaign against the same team that he bid adieu in 2017.
As a result, the limited 2000-strong crowd from the Rocket Mortgage stands welcomed him with a mix of boos and cheers. Kyrie acknowledged them, and that marked the beginning of a new era for the Brooklyn Nets.
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The Nets started with Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie, DeAndre Jordan, and Jeff Green. It’s a dream team in all regards.
Kyrie was playing after missing 7 games marked by some heavy criticism. However, he registered his presence in the very first minutes.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving is never rusty, and he again proved that
The 6-time NBA All-star endured 2 bad-pass turnovers at the beginning of the game itself. However, he bounced back and showed his character with a defining fadeaway shot that left the Cavaliers’ defense in pieces.
He surprised shooting forward Cedi Osman with a brilliant move and scored the opening points for the Nets. Take a look –
Kyrie is BACK 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aSMkOvTUff
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 21, 2021
The first quarter saw James Harden going scoreless after putting in 9 minutes of playtime. However, he did assist Kyrie and picked two boards. Joe Harris came off the bench to score yet another three-pointer of his career early in the game.
The Brooklyn Nets looked scary
The Nets were 10/11 in the field goals 8 minutes into the game. It was more of a Nets’ offense against the Cavaliers’ defense. For the Cavs, the newly acquired Jarrett Allen showed some blocking moves around the rim, but they still ended up trailing.
The Brooklyn-based team entered the game to win their 5th straight game and that looked very much under control. DeAndre also shed off some dust with a massive dunk in the second quarter. Plus, the battle between old buddies Jeff Green and Cedi Osman was also a treat to watch.
This was certainly the perfect game for the Nets’ big three to begin playing together. Irving led the charts with 17 points, and by halftime, the Cavs led 51 to 49 after the Nets won the second quarter.
Also Read – WATCH: How Kyrie Irving Accepted the Touching Tribute Video by Cleveland Cavaliers
