Kyrie Irving Joins Michael Jordan in NBA History Books After Scoring 50-Point That Leads Brooklyn Nets to Win vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Brooklyn Nets finally broke a four-game losing streak largely because of Kyrie Irving's 50 points during Tuesday night's 132-121 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Irving's 50-point outburst was so impressive that Kevin Durant reportedly spent clapping for his teammate at the podium during the opening of his postgame news conference.
Durant dubbed Irving's performance a "master class" and said younger players should watch it to learn how he carried himself on the court.
Irving came out playing aggressively, wanting to impact the game from the start, as Durant noted that Irving wanted to play better than their previous game.
Irving, a seven-time All-Star, began the game in rhythm and kept knocking down shots throughout the night, going 15-for-19 from the field, including 9-for-12 from 3-point range and 11-for-13 from the free-throw line.
With the Brooklyn Nets having lost 17 of their past 20 games, Irving led the team to a much-needed win on a night when Durant only scored 14 points, ESPN reported.
"He (Irving) led us all night... He hit big shots when we needed him to and it was just an incredible performance," Kevin Durant said.
Kyrie Irving Joins Michael Jordan in NBA History Record
According to StatMuse, Kyrie Irving joined Michael Jordan as the only guard in NBA history to score 50 points or more on a 75 percent or better shooting percentage from the field.
"It felt like a must-win night," said Irving, whose offensive brilliance was on full display. He hit an array of shots from all over the floor as his teammates continued to look for him and assist him in getting looks, ABC7 reported.
In 37 minutes of action, Kyrie Irving added six assists and two rebounds. After he drained a floater to bring his total to 50, many in the Charlotte crowd gave him a standing ovation.
Brooklyn Nets Coach Steve Nash Describes Kyrie Irving as 'Incredible Player' and 'Shot Maker'
Kyrie Irving's performance came after a dismal 8-for-18 shooting and three turnovers in a defeat with the Boston Celtics on Sunday. He admitted to not playing his best game in Boston. But he also acknowledged his limits saying, "It just is what it is, I'm human."
But during Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, the point guard revealed that his 50-point mark was not forced and that he was not attempting to get such points. "It just ended up happening," said Irving.
Nets coach Steve Nash said Irving was "incredible" and "it's a career highlight reel" every night.
"We obviously have a special player on our hands and tonight... Those were really big shots he made in the second half, but overall he's just an incredible player, shot maker," Nash noted.
Fellow point guard Stephen Curry said Irving's performance was "just damn special." Curry noted that Kyrie created plays all over the floor, "knocked down catch-and-shoots, off the dribble, got to the free-throw line," and got to the rim.
The Brooklyn Nets climbed to 33-33, a game ahead of the Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference for the eighth spot. They get a day off before facing the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
As the Brooklyn Nets are gearing up to see former teammate James Harden, they do so with some lingering feelings about how he pushed his way off the team right before the trade deadline last month.
Irving noted that he felt Harden owed some people in the organization a clearer explanation of how he felt and could have been communicated better in the end. But he said numerous times that he has no hard feelings toward Harden.
Due to New York City's vaccination mandate, Kyrie Irving will not be eligible to play again until March 15 against the Orlando Magic. Brooklyn Nets will take on the New York Knicks on March 13.
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Written by: Jess Smith
WATCH: Kyrie Irving Drops 50 PTS (15-19 FG) vs. Hornets - From Bleacher Report