The Brooklyn Nets went to San Francisco to try to take down the league's second best team, the Golden State Warriors, on Saturday. Stephen Curry dropped 37 points when he visited Barclay Center back in November in a big Dubs win. This time Kyrie Irving was in the lineup, although he didn't have Kevin Durant or James Harden who are both are injured. Irving was missing his best teammates, while Curry got the other member of the Splash Bros. Klay Thompson back since then. Advantage Golden State there.

There is a little bit of history with Irving versus Curry and the Warriors.  The playmaker, while with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, drained what some consider as the biggest shot in NBA history in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. Curry now has three titles, having later teamed up with Durant.

There was plenty of history and the fans let Irving know. Irving was booed quite a bit in this one. And while some of the boos figure to be because of the history, most of that was probably for his anti-vaccine mandate stance–which we can guess didn't sit too well with a relatively liberal Bay Area fan base.

In the game, Irving reminded people he has ice water in his veins, draining a huge triple with just seconds remaining and cutting a four-point Dubs lead down to one. And that was after helping a shorthanded Nets group climb back from down 18. Despite his efforts, the Nets fell short 110-106.

Irving led all scorers with 32 points to go with seven boards and as many assists. But he needed James Harden in this one. Harden was a late scratch because he has a strained right hand. His presence might have been enough to steal a big road victory.

Irving was in relatively bright spirits after the game as he reflected on his rivalry over the years with Stephen Curry.

After the game, Irving was asked about what it's like competing against the Warriors legend.

“I love Steph man, I mean the guy has completely revolutionized the game,” said the Nets guard. “Coming into the league as a young man in 2011, and seeing… glimpses of what he was capable of, 'cause he wasn't as healthy, those early 2000's, so we only got to see glimpses, but when he caught fire man, everybody was on notice.”

Article Continues Below
More Brooklyn Nets News
image thumbnail
Nets getting closer look at Noa Essengue, top international prospects in ItalyErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
NBA front office insider gives Cam Thomas contract predictionErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
Former top Nets assistant among finalists for Suns head coach positionErik Slater ·
Noa Essengue
Nets’ dark-horse No. 8 pick candidate rising up draft boardsErik Slater ·
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
image thumbnail
Nets hosting sleeper prospect for pre-draft workout after stellar combine performanceErik Slater ·

Curry battled ankle injuries earlier in his career. There were times when people wondered if the Davidson product would ever be healthy enough for the rigors of the NBA grind. Surgeons healed his ankles and a dedicated rehab program allowed him to get past those issues which plagued him years ago. They actually used cadaver tendons to help him recover. 

“And me as a point guard,” continued Irving, “or just as a lead guard on my team, growing up in Cleveland at the time, he was the guy that really set that standard. Catching and shooting off the dribble, being able to break down his defenders, being able to take three guys with him everywhere he goes, you wouldn't be a true student of the game if you're not watching somebody like that and trying to not only keep up, but challenge his position.”

“And I think that's where our mutual respect has really grown,” the Nets star and part-time player added. “Going against each other has been great, but I think studying each other has been even more of a special bond. I see moves that he does, and I know he sees moves that I do, and we're just leading this next generation that's coming up behind us. You don't have to be the athletic guy that's finishing over the top of the rim, we have young guys that are doing that now they are the 2.0. They're able to shoot deep 3s and sky over the rim but when you look at me and Steph I just feel like we're able to do things out there that keeps the normal person walking down the street, gives them hope that basketball can be for them as well. He's just able to do so many special things and I could go on and on about Steph but I love that guy….”

To be honest with you Mr. Irving, I've never watched you or Steph and thought “oh good, now I can do that.” But if there are lots of normal people who have, I'm very happy for them. All kidding aside, it's fun when game recognizes game like this. Irving and Curry have certainly put on some incredible shows, as two of the most electric and fun players to watch.

The Nets dropped their fourth loss in a row and have a tough battle against Chris Paul, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns next on the slate. There isn't as much history between Irving and CP3, but maybe it will be The Beard to wax nostalgic about his former teammate after the next game.