Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie Irving’s clutch performance made fans forget about bad news

By Thomas Carannante

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 20, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 20: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on April 20, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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On Tuesday, the Brooklyn Nets were dealt a blow when it was revealed James Harden had suffered a setback while going through rehab for his injured hamstring.

Head coach Steve Nash said it’s possible Harden doesn’t return until the playoffs. Throw in Kevin Durant’s thigh contusion and inability to consistently see the court after returning from a hamstring issue of his own, and you can understand why Nets fans might be a little bit concerned with the playoffs just a month away.

But for now, Kyrie Irving is here to save the day. This is the luxury of having three superstar players in the modern day NBA.

Irving, who was left to take on the New Orleans Pelicans all by himself — of course, with the help of a talented crew around him — put up a clutch performance to guide the Nets to victory.

With the help of Joe Harris (10-of-16), Landry Shamet (7-of-12) and Blake Griffin (6-of-13), Irving was able to deliver in the fourth quarter, putting up 15 of his 32 points. Brooklyn outscored New Orleans 41-37 in the final 12 minutes and skated by with a five-point win.

It didn’t matter what it was. If the Nets needed it, Kyrie came through. Three-pointers, mid-rangers, acrobatic fadeaway jumpers, challenging defenders at the basket, you name it.

Some might criticize his shortcomings in the ball distribution department (he did have eight assists in this one, too), but his lethal ability to score at will from anywhere on the floor makes this Nets team among the most dynamic in the league even without Durant and Harden.

And don’t say he’s not efficient! Despite his sometimes frustrating shot selection, he’s shooting 51% from the floor, 39% from 3-point range, and what could be a career-high 91% from the free throw line in 42 games this year.

If it came down to it, Irving could probably carry the Nets past their first-round opponent in the postseason, which is comforting to know because we really don’t know where Harden or Durant will be at that point.