Kevin Durant came into the defense of his Brooklyn Nets teammate Kyrie Irving once again as the fiery guard continues to refuse getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Irving exploded for 60 points on Tuesday to lead the Nets to a 150-108 victory over the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Of course the game only further highlighted Brooklyn's need to have him available in all games, as Kyrie remains a part-time player because of his vaccination status.

However, it doesn't look like the 29-year-old star is going to change it any time soon, even with the playoffs nearing. Durant, however, has no issue with it as he shared he has already talked to Irving about it. He did express his point, but in the end, he respects the decision of his teammate.

Durant also noted that Irving doesn't deserve the criticisms he's getting for his vaccination status.

“Me and Kyrie had conversations about the vaccine and what it meant to him, meant to me. At the end of the day I didn't think it was my decision on what he wanted to do with the vaccine. I gave him how I felt about it and we talked about it, but that's ultimately his decision,” Durant said before emphasizing he's never one to force somebody to do what they do not want to do, per Dave Early of ClutchPoints.

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When asked about if Kyrie Irving let the Nets down by not being available in every game he can play, Kevin Durant doesn't think that's the case because it is their job to their best in every game. With that, they cannot allow the absence of one player affect how they play and perform on a daily basis.

“I don't think so, we all got a job to do….nah, Durant said when pressed on the matter. “I don't think he let us down because at the same time, me as an individual, I gotta bring my best… no matter what.”

Of course the Nets would wish that Irving will be available in their remaining games, or at least in the whole playoffs instead of just their road games. Nonetheless, as Durant said it, they cannot force him to do something that contradicts his beliefs and stance on the issue.

For now, the Nets can only hope that there will be more changes in the COVID-19 vaccine mandate of New York City that will allow Irving to play. So far Kyrie can attend in home games as a spectator but not play because of the COVID-19 vaccine rules in private organizations.