It has been a wild week for the Brooklyn Nets and we're not even halfway through. On Monday, fans got some updates that there may be “renewed optimism” on a Kyrie Irving return. Shams Charania of The Athletic suggested that Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have spoken recently and that may be where the newfound optimism stems from.

Irving, master of the vague and alluring Instagram post, whipped fans into a frenzy with this little tidbit following the news of his new shoes. Is he nearing a return?

Could Irving be preparing to get vaccinated? Has the head coach learned anything?

Prior to their Tuesday game against the Toronto Raptors, head coach Steve Nash didn't add any fuel to that fire.

“I haven’t and I have no updates,” admitted Nash. “I have connected with him but totally outside of the scope of the question and just on life in general. So we connected last week but not with any intel or insight that things are changing. So I know he’s working out, and I know he’d love to be playing but I think the boundaries are still the same as they were before recent reports.”

The shorthanded Nets went ahead and played the Toronto Raptors. They were missing about half of their squad, learning they'd be without former MVP James Harden an hour or so before tip. It seemed at times during the game like they might quit. But they persevered and sent the game to overtime, led by Kevin Durant, Patty Mills and a bunch of young guns.

Durant, who almost didn't play because of a sore ankle, still did MVP -like things. He finished with 34 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for a monster triple-double in a 131-129 gutty win. After the game, he was bursting with pride.

“Man, I can't even explain how I feel, especially it's December and we down seven players,” Durant shared. “We coulda easily just punted this game….I'm so proud to be part of this group and play with these young dudes. Man it was amazing to be out there.”

The team didn't have LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre’ Bembry, Jevon Carter, James Johnson, Paul Millsap, James Harden and Bruce Brown. All are vaccinated, yet all entered the health and safety protocols. But so far it doesn't sound like anyone is terribly sick. They'll need to return two negatives tests in order to return to play.

Already without Irving and Joe Harris (ankle), it's a trying time for the Nets on the court. That they managed to pull this one off was a testament to their competitive spirit and their leadership at the very top.

But of course, after the game, Durant was asked about the most impactful absence of all. Did he have comment on the recent reports of renewed optimism for an Irving return? Especially since the reports named KD in particular, as being in close contact with Irving?

“Well see, I don’t know,” admitted Durant. “I mean of course Kyrie’s my brother. You know we talk about everything. I’d rather keep those conversations in house though.” For now it sound like Nash doesn't have any update for us and if KD does, he's keeping that close to the vest.

For now the Nets continue to string together wins. They're now 20-8, and if they do ever get Irving back into the fold, it will be scary times all over again.