On January 6, Beijing time, the Nets announced the starting lineup with the Pacers, Irving entered the starting lineup, ushered in the new season debut, and the Big Three finally reunited, plus Clarkston and Duke. It is worth mentioning that this is the Nets' 16th set of starts this season.
The last time the Big Three fought together was on June 6, 2021, when Harden played only one minute before exiting the game with a strained right hamstring.
Finally, after 7 months and 214 days, the Nets' big three finally got together again. Of course, for them, such a combination should not have arrived so late.
Irving was banned by the Nets for not getting vaccinated. Without Irving, the pressure on Durant and Harden doubled, and the Nets, out of desperation, chose to compromise, allowing Irving to return to the team as a part-time player and participate in the team's away games.
Unexpectedly, just after being allowed to return, Irving triggered a health and safety agreement, resulting in a new season debut being postponed. After ending the quarantine and practicing with the team, Irving smiled.
Irving's return can be said to solve Nash's urgent needs, and now the Nets have suffered three consecutive defeats, and after Durant's return, he is not in good shape, and Nets fans can't wait for Irving to return. Harden said, "Irving has a special talent, and his return will definitely bring some sparks to the team, which is very special." "How Irving will perform in his debut, wait for the game to start to give the answer."