R&I – FS
The Nets got Kevin Durant back Sunday, but they sure could’ve used Kyrie Irving. Instead, the point guard missed his third straight game for personal reasons.
The Nets imploded at home against Oklahoma City, abused on the perimeter and sloppy with the ball. The All-Star was sorely missed.
While coach Steve Nash declined to answer when asked specifically whether he and the organization were satisfied with the reason Irving gave for his extended absence, Durant said he backs his longtime friend.
“I wouldn’t speak for Kyrie, I’ll let him do that for himself. I’m sure you guys will see him soon after he comes back,” Durant said. “We support him 100 percent and pray for the best.”
After Irving sat out consecutive games, he had initially been listed as questionable on Sunday before being ruled out a little over two hours before tipoff.
“Ky is still on personal leave. All the communication between Ky and the organization I’m going to keep private and I’m sure you’ll hear from him at some point,” Nash said of Irving, who is fourth in the league in scoring (27.1).
Neither the Nets, Irving nor his publicist has given an explanation for his absence. When Nash was asked if he and the Nets were OK with what Irving had told them, he replied only, “Yeah, like I said, I’m not going to go into any of the talks with Ky, that’s just a private matter.”
The Nets host Denver on Tuesday, but have offered no timetable or estimate for Irving’s return.
RandyMarsh
Article URL : https://nypost.com/2021/01/10/nets-kyrie-irving-sits-again-as-kevin-durant-returns/