The new-look Brooklyn Nets squad received criticism and judgment from the public after losing back-to-back encounters against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Star point guard Kyrie Irving then clapped back at the talking heads by posting cryptic stories on his Instagram account in a bid to defend the team after the tough losses, via Bleacher Report.
Kyrie isn’t worried about back-to-back losses for the Nets. pic.twitter.com/oo1Nf8SXZG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2021
On Jan. 20, the newly-formed trio of Irving along with Kevin Durant and James Harden finally took the floor for the first time together as Nets teammates. Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton had other plans as he spoiled the debut of the big three where he exploded for 42 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
His teammates also backed him up as six other Cavs players scored in double digits. On the other end, Nets star Durant led with 38 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists while Irving followed with 37 points of his own. Harden also came out with a triple-double performance of 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
The tight-scoring affair between the two teams eventually ended on a 147-135 double-overtime victory for the Cavs. Two days later, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was out to prove that his team's previous victory was no fluke.
Cleveland eventually took advantage of Durant's absence in the game due to treatment in his right Achilles. Sexton led the team once again with 25 points and nine assists en route to a 125-114 victory despite Irving's 38-point outburst.
After a tough road trip, the Nets now hold a 9-8 record for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. Kyrie Irving will need to come out with a huge performance in order to back his word and prove that his Nets team is truly one to be feared by the rest of the league.
The squad will head back to Brooklyn and will aim to end their two-game losing skid as they host the struggling Miami Heat on Jan. 23.
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