In the Nets' away game against the Magic, Nets star guard Irving appeared in 34 minutes, shooting 20 of 31, 8 of 12 three-pointers, 12 of 13 free throws, and frantically swept down 60 points, successfully equaling the highest score in the NBA this season and breaking his career single-game scoring record.
Irving's outburst also seems to have foreshadowed. In the first quarter, Irving was in good shape, and he easily scored 16 points and 3 assists to help the Nets get a record 48 points in team history in the first quarter. In the second quarter of the game, Irving suddenly fell into no man's land, single-handedly scored 25 points, and throughout the first half, Irving slashed 41 points!
The 41 points in the first half were the second highest in the NBA in the past 25 years, behind Kobe Bryant's 42 points in the first half in March 2003. Behind Irving are 40 points in the first half of Klay Thompson in 16 years and 39 points in the first half of LaVine in 21 years.
By the end of the half, the Nets were 86-56 with as many as 30 points ahead, and Irving fans were already cheering on the Magic. James also hurried to update social media to write: "Carey, please don't show, brother! But seriously, go ahead! ”
In the third quarter of the game, Irving's performance began to relent, and the Magic naturally did not want to be a background board, and began to strengthen the defense against Irving, but still in vain. In the third quarter, a wonderful aerial confrontation was scored on the lever, and Irving was worthy of being the most ethereal man in the game. Seven minutes into the third quarter, Irving scored more than 50. After playing a little more in the fourth quarter, Irving scored 60 points in 34 minutes.
Two days ago in the Nets' home game against the Knicks, Durant scored 53 points. As a result, Irving and Durant also became the first pair in NBA history to score 50+ in two consecutive games. The horror of the Nets, which overflowed with offensive firepower, seemed to correspond to what fans expected of them last season — offense mercury poured in and defense did their best.
Such a good Irving, but still can only play on the road, this is not a loss for the NBA and fans. As the epidemic prevention and control in the United States gradually "improved", New York City also revised its vaccination policy in a timely manner. Interestingly, Irving can already go to the Nets' home court to watch the ball, but he just can't play.
Such policy adjustments not only do not solve the fundamental problems, but also exacerbate the players' resistance to the policy. The Nets general has expressed dissatisfaction with New York's new policy, and Durant even publicly criticized the mayor of New York in an interview. However, they all seem to have forgotten that Irving's refusal to be vaccinated should be the "culprit".
Monday's Home Games game against the Knicks was Irving's first appearance at the Barclays Center this season. His appearance made the Nets very happy, and when the camera was on Irving, the home fans also applauded him. But policy is policy, and after the game, the Nets were fined $50,000 by the NBA for allowing Irving to enter the locker room for violating the rules.
Irving's 41 points in the first half and 60 points were good, but his problems were never on the court. Vaccinations have become the best way to prevent the outbreak, but Owen still insists on refusing vaccinations. But with new york policy easing, Irving will be able to play at home this season for the foreseeable future. After all, people have almost forgotten that he did not follow the policy first. As for the current policy of the New York government, it is purely to lift a stone and drop it on its own feet.
The Nets have only 4 away games left in 13 games, one of which is still playing the Knicks, and Irving still can't play. If the policy will not be modified for the time being, then Irving will only have 3 games to play in the regular season, and look at it and cherish it.