After playing the best game of his truncated season in Saturday's surprising 126-123 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving said he can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
Irving scored a season-high 38 points to lead his undermanned team down the stretch against the defending NBA champion. He said he was looking forward to turning the page after acknowledging the possibility of New York City ending the vaccine mandate.
Irving said he was glad that things were starting to settle down, and that he hoped to get back on the home floor.
I am not the only one. I feel for everyone that is in my boat or a similar boat that has dealt with trauma from this. Wishing everyone well-wishes, always.
Irving's comments are his first since New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters earlier in the week that he can't wait to get it done.
Irving said he was following it as much as he could. I would like to say that I am very appreciative of all those that are pushing behind the scenes to make our world a better place.
The most important thing for me was to make sure everyone was ok. The circumstances this year have not been ideal, but I have been on record saying that it is not about me, that I don't want to feel like it is all on me, but it is.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended Irving while noting that the mandate doesn't quite make sense to him, given that unvaccinated players from opposing teams.
Irving said that his job is not easy. I was grateful that he took one for the team, and that my respect level went to a whole new one for him. I am grateful for that. We want to set a great example for the world in what we do, and we try to stand for what is right and respect everyone else's decisions.
With just 21 regular-season games left to play, the Nets are so hopeful that star forward Kevin Durant will return this week from a left knee injury. Nets coach Steve Nash said Saturday that Simmons was dealing with a little soreness in his back, but that he was expected to be available in the near future.
Irving said that the win in Milwaukee was even more special because he injured his ankle in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year and missed the rest of the season.
Irving said it was emotional for him to prepare for the game. Sometimes, they can get the best of me if I don't wear my emotions on my face or on my shoulders. It felt like there was a weight lifted just being back here, being healthy, getting a win and knowing that there was a chance we could see them down the line again.
Nash was effusive in his praise for Irving.
Nash said that he thought Kyrie was amazing. I think he gives other guys more space to breathe. It improves the whole team with his presence, shot-making and creativity.
Veteran guard Goran Dragic, who made his Nets debut on Saturday and scored six points in 14 minutes, put into perspective what it is like to play with Irving.
It feels like he is in a video game when you watch him. When we get KD back and Simmons and those guys, those guys can score the ball, they defend, so it's going to be a totally different team.
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