Celtics

Kyrie Irving goes supernova against Bulls

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A+

Final: 01/31/2020

W 133 – 118

The Brooklyn Nets hosted the Chicago Bulls on Friday night with an opportunity to string together a win streak. 

Instead, they decided to make a statement. The Nets may have won 133-118, but the game did not feel even that close. Kyrie Irving never let it get to that point.

From minute No. 1, he took over and forced the game to bend to his will. He hit 10 shots without missing in the first half. Every time he launched the ball from his fingertips, it was as if there was a magnet drawing it directly to the basket.

The Bulls did not have the semblance of an answer for Irving. Even in the dying seconds of the second quarter, he decided to launch another dagger into their hearts.

Coming out of the break, he graciously allowed Chicago a reprieve by finally missing a shot. That false hope was quickly squashed — repeatedly — as he enacted a historic 54-point domination.

There may have been other players in this game, but they all paled in comparison to the magnificence of Irving. If he was given a few more minutes, there is little double that he could have broken the Nets’ franchise points record for a single game, 57, held by Deron Williams. When asked after the game, Irving mentioned that both the fans and Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” fueled him through his breathtaking performance.

Welcome home, Kyrie.

Kyrie Irving

A+

The stats: 54 PTS, 19-23 FG, 7-9 3PT, 9-10 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 4 TO, 32 MIN

There are no words capable of accurately describing how incredible Kyrie Irving played on Friday. 

This is the best that Irving has ever played in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. His historic shooting efficiency on such a high volume has only been accomplished previously by Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. The Bulls did not stand a chance with Kyrie Irving in the game. It’s simple — the Nets are better when Kyrie Irving plays.

Jarrett Allen

A-

The stats: 12 PTS, 5-5 FG, 2-3 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK, 1 TO, 29 MIN

While Irving was the star of the show, Jarrett Allen was not relegated to a background character.

The most impressive part of his performance was his playmaking. That was one pretty behind-the-back pass from the big man who is light with his touch. He was also his usual defensive powerhouse self, which made life even harder for the Bulls. Allen’s offensive growth this season is exactly what fans wanted to see coming in.

Spencer Dinwiddie

B+

The stats: 20 PTS, 7-14 FG, 4-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, 1 REB, 7 AST, 1 BLK, 3 TO, 30 MIN

Spencer Dinwiddie looks to be right back to his usual self after getting reaccustomed to coming off the bench.

He excels at driving, playmaking and explosive scoring off the bench. After being forced to carry much of the team’s offensive burden this season due to injuries, his level of play is quickly rebounding. When Dinwiddie is leading the bench and playing intelligent basketball, the Nets are difficult to match.

About the Author

Logan Gilchrist

Logan Gilchrist is a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing degrees in both political science and sports media & communication.

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