The Brooklyn Nets finally got Kyrie Irving back after missing the team's first 35 games – and it's like he never left.

The mercurial point guard poured in 22 points in a hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers on an efficient 9-for-17 shooting clip. He also had some timely buckets to help the Nets' comeback bid.

While Nets fans are obviously pleased to have their starting PG back, there's probably nobody more grateful than James Harden and Kevin Durant.

The Beard is a man of few words, but he did have a message for his Nets compadre after their first game and victory of the season together.

“Good having you back king,” said James Harden on Twitter.

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While his Nets teammates were glad to get Kyrie Irving back in the lineup, the man himself was equally grateful just to be able to take the court once more.

“Just a lot of gratitude just to be present tonight with everyone and just go out there and have fun doing what we love to do,” Irving said via ClutchPoints' Nets reporter Dave Early.

The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season even without Kyrie Irving. While there's been a lot of talk about the boost the Golden State Warriors will get once Klay Thompson returns from his injury, the Nets become just as scary with a healthy and available Kyrie Irving on their side.

The East has shaped up to be much more competitive this year than in seasons past. But the Nets may still be a cut above everyone else when complete.