After Kyrie Irving went missing in action following the death of his friend and NBA legend Kobe Bryant, the point guard went back in uniform with an explosive dedication. On Friday night's game against the Chicago Bulls, he broke several records after leading his team to a decisive win at 133-118.
His 54 points are now his new season-high, ahead of the notable 50 points back in opening night on October 23, which resulted in a 127-126 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Nets star made all his ten shots in the first half and went an efficient 19-of-23 in the game. His four missed shots are the second-fewest in a 50-point performance, behind only to Wilt Chamberlain's three back in 1967. Moreover, he became the 14th player to score 50+ points against the Bulls, and the first since Warriors guard Klay Thompson put up 52 and an NBA record 14 threes on October 2018.
Kyrie Irving finished with 54 points while shooting 19 of 23 from the field.
Irving's 4 missed shots tonight are tied for the 2nd-fewest in a 50-point game in NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain in 1967 missed fewer in a 50-point game (3). pic.twitter.com/cmAgAU61pO
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 1, 2020
Kyrie Irving finishes with 54 points, matching Dave Bing (Feb 21, 1971) for seventh-highest scoring game by an opponent in Bulls history.
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) February 1, 2020
Kyrie Irving is the 14th player to score 50 points against the Bulls, the first since Klay Thompson had 52 (NBA record 14 threes) on October 29, 2018.
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) February 1, 2020
Kyrie Irving is the second player with a 50-5-5 game against the Bulls after Lou Hudson (57-8-8) on November 10, 1969.
h/t @bball_ref
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) February 1, 2020
Additionally, Irving's performance also broke several other records. His 54 points is the most against Chicago since Jerry Stackhouse put up 57 back in the 2001 season. In addition to five rebounds and five assists, he is also only the second player with a 50-5-5 game against the Bulls after Lou Hudson in 1969. His Nets teammates also contributed to the win, with point guard Spencer Dinwiddie chipping in 20 points off the bench, and Taurean Prince putting up 16.
Kyrie Irving up to 54 points, the most against the Bulls since Jerry Stackhouse scored 57 on April 3, 2001.
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) February 1, 2020
Prior to Friday night, Irving notably did not play following the news of Kobe Bryant's untimely passing, who was a close friend and a mentor to the Nets point guard. The six-time All-Star has another chance to dedicate a game to the Black Mamba when the Nets visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Follow Us
Subscribe