After scoring 30 points on 11-of-24 shooting in the Brooklyn Nets’ victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Kyrie Irving couldn’t help but think about Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.
When his stats were disclosed to him during the postgame interview, Irving pointed out that his 11-of-24 percentage equaled both Kobe and his number. It was undoubtedly an accident, which is why Kyrie heard it as sounding so much better.
“Those statistics right there sound like Kobe and Kyrie figures. Via NBA TV, Kyrie stated, “11/24 for a nice night,” grinning broadly and clearly pleased with the result and the association with Kobe.
“Sounds like Kobe numbers and Kyrie numbers right there. 11/24 for a good night.”
Kyrie on his performance in the Nets victory pic.twitter.com/Vv8U7nezwO
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 22, 2022
Kyrie Irving had a performance that would have pleased the late Kobe Bryant by channelling his inner Black Mamba. He scored 30 points overall and dished out seven assists as the Nets defeated the Heat 109-105. After being destroyed by the New Orleans Pelicans in their season opening, it’s their first victory of the year.
If the Nets want to be a title contender in 2022–2023, Irving will undoubtedly need to perform more like Kobe. After all, a number of East and West teams made major offseason improvements, making the race for the Larry O’Brien trophy even more challenging.
The Nets’ season will be lengthy because there is still a lot of basketball to be played. Their success will depend heavily on Irving, and after all the drama they caused in the offseason, everyone is expecting big things from him and Kevin Durant.
After beating the Raptors, Kyrie Irving yells out the Lakers icon, “Sounds like Kobe numbers!” The piece originally published on ClutchPoints.
