After the Nets lost to the Heat, they have suffered an 11-game losing streak in the NBA. Although Irving scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and had 29 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, the Nets ultimately failed to win the game due to insufficient manpower.
The Nets hope to end their losing streak before the All-Star Game, but in the next four games, Irving will not be able to play (3 home and 1 away, away opponent is the Knicks) because he has not been vaccinated. After losing to the Heat, the media asked if Irving felt guilty about not being able to play at home, and Irving gave a negative answer.
"Don't bring your personal emotions here," Owen retorted.
Owen continued, adding that he didn't feel guilty because it was a product of his career as a New York City athlete:
"Brother. Please, I know a lot of things are happening in the world, and I'm a human being like you, brother. Please respect my boundaries, man, that's what I'm asking for. I don't feel guilty, I'm the only player in New York City who has to deal with this because I'm playing there – if I'm anywhere else in another city, then the situation might not be the same, but because I'm there, these things affect me, bro. ”
Owen later admitted that he had become a joke on the Internet. "In public, I've noticed that people tell jokes about the current situation, like what's half a game or half a man. Noise from the outside world is sometimes generated unconsciously, but it doesn't affect me because I'm used to it. ”
Irving admits he felt a bit "rusty" after missing the first 35 games of the season. After returning, Irving averaged 24.1 points, 5.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds in his first 14 games. With Durant still recuperating from injury and Ben Simmons still preparing for his comeback, the Nets need Irving's contribution to have a chance to win. When the team was in trouble, Irving's absence before the All-Star Game was desperate.
As it stands, Irving is still eligible to play eight away games this season. In the playoffs, Irving can only play in away games, which will make the Nets very uncomfortable.