Kevin Durant: Nobody is hoping Kyrie Irving will come to save us

Kristian Winfield: Kevin Durant: “We definitely want Kyrie Irving on the floor, and he’s a huge part of what we do, but it’s not happening.” Says nobody is sitting on the court and “hoping Kyrie comes to save us.” #Nets
Source: Twitter @Krisplashed

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
‘Stand with Kyrie:’ Mob of anti-vaxxers storm Barclays Center #nets #nba nypost.com/2021/10/24/mob… via @nypmetro – 6:44 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant on not having Kyrie Irving: “Nobody’s gonna lose confidence while we’re playing and hope Kyrie comes to save us in the game. Nah. We’ve got to play.” #Nets – 6:41 PM

Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kevin Durant: “We definitely want Kyrie Irving out here on the floor, and he’s a huge part of what we do, but it’s not happening right now, so we’ve got to figure it out. Nobody is going to lose confidence while we’re playing and hope Kyrie comes and saves us during the game.” pic.twitter.com/AtzOvsTIjb – 6:41 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kevin Durant was asked twice if he thinks the Nets have enough without Kyrie Irving. Durant said while he is out on floor, he doesn’t think about whether they have enough. He said “we definitely want Kyrie Irving out there on the floor” but also added that Nets have to adapt. – 6:37 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked if the Nets have enough, with Kyrie’s absence implicated, Durant says “We definitely want Kyrie Irving out on the floor. He’s a huge part of what we do. But he’s not out there right now.” Said the team isn’t acting like Irving is coming to save them. – 6:36 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
“It’s three games in. Of course we have enough….no one is waiting for Kyrie to come save us” pic.twitter.com/rZrrTCkiq7 – 6:36 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant points out that Ish Smith needed 15 shots to get his points, LaMelo had 18 shots and Oubre took 13. Points out that’s solid defense. Charlotte hit tough shots down the stretch to pull away. – 6:36 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant: “We definitely want Kyrie Irving on the floor, and he’s a huge part of what we do, but it’s not happening.”
Says nobody is sitting on the court and “hoping Kyrie comes to save us.” #Nets – 6:35 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kevin Durant says,
“We definitely want Kyrie Irving out here on the floor — We’re not going to hope Kyrie (Irving) comes to save us.” – 6:35 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kevin Durant believes the Nets have enough to compete without Kyrie Irving. – 6:34 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant on whether the Nets still have enough offensive firepower without Kyrie Irving: “Yeah. I’m not about to say there’s not enough out here… It’s 3 games in. Of course, we have enough.” #Nets – 6:34 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Kyrie Irving said his decision to not get vaccinated “is not a political thing.” Of course it’s a political thing. He should’ve realized that a long time ago. – 6:33 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant: “The swipe-through is still a foul.” Says the ref didn’t think he swiped through in that last game against the 76ers. – 6:32 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kevin Durant says,
“James (Harden) had to adjust his game because they weren’t calling fouls for him.” – 6:32 PM

James Plowright @British_Buzz
Borrego on Bridges ” There’s great confidence out there, he’s growing up before our eyes… He’s playing with tenacity out there, he’s guarding Kevin Durant then driving to score on the other end” – 6:28 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
FINAL: Nets 95, Hornets 111
Kevin Durant (38 PTS, 5 REBS), James Harden (15 PTS, 8 ASTS )and the Nets drop to 1-2 on the season. Miles Bridges (32 PTS) did it all for the Hornets, but Ish Smith (15 PTS) took over in the fourth quarter to take control of the game. – 6:16 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets fall to the Hornets 111-95. They’re 1-2. Kevin Durant scored 38 points and James Harden scored 15. Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball were great, but Ish Smith was the real hero. Nets host the Wizards tomorrow. Heard DC has a new point guard. Tech guy but with a jumper? – 6:14 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Steve Nash warned it’s not going to be pretty for a little bit as Nets continue to experiment with rotations and lineups as they figure out life without Kyrie and get vets and new pieces in the mix. Nets are about to drop to 1-2 as they trail 109-95 to the Hornets with 1:29 left. – 6:11 PM

Nate Jones @JonesOnTheNBA
KD midrange is wadiculous pic.twitter.com/UokYkMyrL3 – 6:11 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Hornets set to spoil the Nets’ home opener. They are the faster team, and the Nets are searching for offensive answers. Kevin Durant has 38, but James Harden only has 15. No other Net with more than 9. – 6:11 PM

James Plowright @British_Buzz
Name the better big two, Durant + Harden or Miles Bridges + Ish Smith? – 6:05 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
For all the firepower the Nets are supposed to have, this looks a lot like the playoff series against the Bucks right now. Nobody besides Durant doing anything offensively. Hornets up 11 late. – 6:04 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets trail 104-93 with 3:18 left. The past few possessions, every time the Nets looked done, Kevin Durant bailed them out with a basket to stay within striking distance. Feels like they’re a basket away from that. Timeout Steve Nash. – 6:04 PM

Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
kevin durant is playing center – 6:01 PM

James Plowright @British_Buzz
Charlotte hanging around after another strong 3rd quarter. Whatever happens this team has competed toe to toe with the Nets, still feels like Durant is just waiting to take over – 5:47 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Hornets lead the Nets 79-78. Durant with 29, Harden the next-highest at 11. Miles Bridges and LaMelo are balling. No pun intended. Fun fourth quarter coming. Another close game. – 5:47 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
A small group of protesters showed up outside of Barclays, some even pushing their way to the front entrance leading to Barclays to briefly close doors to ensure safety for fans. Many of the protesters chanted, “No vaccine mandate. Stand with Kyrie” espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 5:46 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
End of 3rd QTR: Nets 78, Hornets 79
Kevin Durant (27 PTS, 13-19 FG), James Harden (11 PTS, 8 ASTS) and the Nets had trouble taming Charlotte’s hot third quarter. The Hornets outscored Brooklyn 29-20 in the period, claiming the lead in the process. – 5:46 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
MVP chants have broken out at Barclays Center for Kevin Durant, who just net 2 free throws to make this a 78-77 game. #Nets – 5:44 PM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Kyrie Irving latest: Protesters burst through barricades outside Nets’ Barclays Center over vaccine drama
https://t.co/bXlHwtJneP pic.twitter.com/qlhDn8s10y – 5:41 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Barclays Center spokesperson on the pro-Kyrie Irving protest before the #Nets home opener: “…Only ticketed guests were able to enter the building and the game proceeded according to schedule.” #NBA – 5:34 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
A statement from a Barclays Center spokesperson on the pro-Kyrie Irving protest outside the building: “Barclays Center briefly closed its doors today in order to clear protestors from the main doors on the plaza and ensure guests could safely enter the arena….” #Nets – 5:33 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
KD IS GOING FOR A 40-PIECE! – 5:29 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Nets lead the Hornets 58-50. Kevin Durant is putting on a scoring clinic (again), with 20 points on 10-for-13 shooting. Brooklyn getting help from the reserves with 18 points off the bench. Nets have pulled away after trading blows with Charlotte early on. – 5:09 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Half: Nets 58, Hornets 50
Kevin Durant (20 PTS, 10-13 FG), James Harden (11 PTS, 4 ASTS) and the Nets are entering the break with the lead for the first time this season. Brooklyn has also racked up 9 steals and 4 blocks to make Charlotte as uncomfortable as possible. – 5:08 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Hornets play fast and are fun to watch. Their problem today is playing fast just means Durant gets the ball back more quickly. He has 20 on 10-for-13 shooting late in the half. – 5:07 PM

Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
KD is on fire. My goodness. – 5:07 PM

Brad Townsend @townbrad
Demonstrators support Kyrie Irving vs. vaccine mandate at Brooklyn Nets game dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 5:02 PM

Spencer Percy @QCHspencer
Ish Smith rips Durant, McDaniels in transition. Steals = transition O. Key for Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/tAhMPMfa4f – 5:01 PM

Mike Finger @mikefinger
Voicing support for unvaccinated NBA star Kyrie Irving, an angry mob tries to replicate attempted violent insurrection at U.S. Capitol.
Send that sentence back to the people 12 months ago. – 4:39 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
KD is DISHING ‼️
pic.twitter.com/u35xAxsFOj – 4:38 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
End of 1st QTR: Nets 31, Hornets 27
Kevin Durant (10 PTS, 5-5 FG), Bruce Brown (5 PTS, 2-2 FG) and the Nets end the period on a 18-6 run. Brooklyn’s offense has been on fire right out the gates, they’re shooting it at 55% from the field and 50% from three. – 4:38 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Nets 31, Hornets 27 after one in Brooklyn. Kevin Durant is 5 for 5 for 10 points. – 4:37 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the first quarter: Nets lead the Hornets 31-27. Brown’s layup just missed at the buzzer. Durant leads with 10 but Nets getting a lot of guys to chip in. – 4:37 PM

Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
FYI, Wizards fans.
KD IS COOKING RIGHT NOW
10 points (5/5 FG)
2 assists
1st quarter – 4:36 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant with a drive and dish to a wide open Paul Millsap. PM hits the 3. Durant’s playmaking to start the season has been terrific and needed in the absence of Irving. – 4:32 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kevin Durant is 5-of-5 from the floor and has 10 of the Nets’ 17 points. – 4:27 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant’s got 10 points and after another slow start, he put the Nets on his back to make this a 19-17 game. Durant hasn’t missed a shot, yet all of them have been contested. It doesn’t make sense, but then again, he’s that guy. – 4:26 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant has 10 points in seven minutes and hasn’t missed a shot. Nets trail 19-17 with 4:32 left in the first. – 4:26 PM

Justin Verrier @JustinVerrier
Nic Claxton is going to score 50 one game entirely off of dump-offs from KD and Harden. – 4:19 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets off to another slow start, down 9-2 before that KD bucket. – 4:16 PM

Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Some NBA action just added:
KD o2.5 3P -110
KD o8.5 rebounds +110 pic.twitter.com/5EQbCJb2Hn – 4:03 PM

Sean Highkin @highkin
If you’re going to protest about Kyrie not being able to play, at least protest the right people. The Nets are just following city mandates! – 3:47 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Starters for the #Nets game today vs. the #Hoenets: “Harden, Carter, Durant, Harris and Claxton. It’s Jevon Carter’s seventh career start, and his first since May 16, 2021 with the #Suns in their 2020-21 regular-season finale at San Antonio. – 3:40 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
The scene outside Barclays Center where a group of protesters chant, “No vaccine mandate, Stand with Kyrie.” Several hold “Stand with Kyrie” signs. This is the Nets’ home opener. Kyrie Irving will be away from team until he complies with NYC vaccine mandate. pic.twitter.com/833DqYOLf7 – 3:37 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters vs. Charlotte: Harden, Carter, Durant, Harris and Claxton. – 3:31 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Things To L👀k Out For In The Nets vs Hornets Game:
▪️Patty Mills can add to his perfect 10-of-10 shooting from downtown for the season.
▪️Terry Rozier (ankle) is out for Charlotte.
▪️Kyrie Irving (personal) and Blake Griffin (rest) are out for Brooklyn. – 3:29 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Getting scary out here. Crowd of protesters just jumped barricades and pushing towards door. Chanting let Kyrie play. pic.twitter.com/PlSu5B8amV – 3:13 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
A group of fans chanting “Let Kyrie play!” outside the Nets’ home opener. pic.twitter.com/hsyuMqt1WP – 3:09 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Really weird mix of people marching around with I stand with Kyrie signs. Kids with trump hats and people with Black Lives Matter shirts. pic.twitter.com/gJwX4k2aT3 – 3:09 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
This is really crazy outside Barclays. At least 500 people protesting and Waco g I stand with Kyrie signs. pic.twitter.com/SREwTDkkED – 3:07 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash says Blake Griffin won’t play tonight against the Hornets, and also says the team is a bit more inclined to play Kevin Durant in back-to-backs this season as opposed to last. #Nets – 2:28 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Steve Nash indicates that Kevin Durant will play for the most part in both games of back-to-backs this season. Nash said there will be times this season when he will want to try to protect Durant and rest him in a game during back-to-back sets. – 2:19 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said he’s comfortable playing Kevin Durant in back-to-backs this year than last. Adds LaMelo Ball “has a great knack for the game,” expects him to have an excellent career. – 2:18 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash said the #Nets are more comfortable playing Kevin Durant in back-to-backs than they were last season. #NBA #Hornets – 2:18 PM

NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
Ja laces up the “1 World 1 People” Nike Kyrie Low 4! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/bjBxkkyqRl – 11:23 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Three-play sequence shows how many ways Kevin Durant can impact a game:
– Blows by Curry for a floater
– Weakside block on Tobias Harris
– Blows by Harris, draws 4 defenders, finds Millsap wide open pic.twitter.com/6h7S0pmEdE – 8:45 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Per last night’s two minute report, both of the plays that drew scrutiny for not being challenged (out of bounds on Durant, Durant charge on Green) were ruled incorrectly in favor of Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/0OiqAu1FY6 – 7:48 PM

Will Guillory @WillGuillory
For people into #BISneakerWatch, he’s wearing the black and red Kyrie 7s in warmups tonight. pic.twitter.com/ZcpnJihWME – 7:20 PM

More on this storyline

A group of protesters gathered outside Barclays Center waving flags and signs while chanting, “No vaccine mandate, stand with Kyrie” before the Brooklyn Nets’ home opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Around 100 people stood in the plaza outside the arena and on the street blocking traffic on Flatbush Avenue, many showing their support for Nets point guard Kyrie Irving’s decision not to get at least one vaccination shot to comply with New York City’s mandate in order to play home games. -via ESPN / October 24, 2021

At one point, a few of the protesters pushed barriers and got to the front entrance of Barclays before being held off by security. There was also plenty of police presence in front of Barclays. -via ESPN / October 24, 2021

Kristian Winfield: Statement from Barclays Center spokesperson: “Barclays Center briefly closed its doors today in order to clear protestors from the main doors on the plaza and ensure guests could safely enter the arena. Only ticketed guests were able to enter the building and the game proceeded according to schedule.” -via Twitter @Krisplashed / October 24, 2021