Ever since the blockbuster James Harden-Ben Simmons trade between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, fans have had March 10 circled on their calendars. The date marked the first time the two teams would face one another since the transaction on February 10.
Prices for the regular-season matchup in Philadelphia skyrocketed because of the meaning behind the game. Even though Ben Simmons didn't play, fans paid hundreds and even thousands of dollars to attend. However, the game didn't go the way anyone thought it would. The Sixers were expected to win, and it was supposed to be a high-intensity, playoff-like atmosphere.
Of course, the atmosphere at the Wells Fargo Center is always electric, and fans showed up more than ever Thursday night. However, the energy died quickly when the Nets took the lead early and completely shut down the Sixers' offense.
Kyrie Irving put up 22 points and drained five three-pointers, but that wasn't the only way he silenced the boos of Philadelphia fans.
A Philadelphia sports account tweeted a video of Irving's court-side interaction with a Sixers fan Thursday night.
Part time basketball player Kyrie Irving telling people to have an open mind pic.twitter.com/boVpc9kTVC
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) March 11, 2022
In the video, a fan asks Simmons multiple times if he is “filing a grievance” against the Sixers. After a few seconds, Irving decides to respond to the fan, completely dismissing his heckling questions.
“Y'all go around and do this? Is this your minion? You bring her around with you to record everything? Grow up,” Irving said gesturing towards the camera.
The Nets star did not have to respond to the heckling fan, the performance on the court said enough. However, it's a strong statement that the leaders on the Nets are vocally supporting and defending their new teammate.
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