Nets' Kyrie Irving Says Playing Through Finger Injury 'Sucks' After Pistons Loss
Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving told reporters it "sucks" playing with a sprained right index finger after Tuesday's 122-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons, but that he's trying to push past any discomfort with the Nets already down Kevin Durant due to the NBA's health and safety protocols.
"I don't accept that," Irving added of the team's energy against teams with losing records this season. "And I don't think the team accepts that."
The 28-year-old Irving is having another big statistical season, putting up 27.5 points and 5.8 assists per night. He led the Nets in scoring on Tuesday, with 27 points to go along with seven assists, though he finished just 12-of-28 from the field and 2-of-9 from three.
The Nets are just 1-4 in their last five games, including losses to the Washington Wizards (6-15), Toronto Raptors (11-13) and the Pistons (6-18). Nine of Brooklyn's 12 losses this year have come against teams with losing records.
"It's about personal pride," head coach Steve Nash told reporters following the loss. "We have to decide what kind of team we want to be."
Injuries and absences have been an issue for the Nets, but the more pressing concern is the team's complete lack of defense. The Nets have given up 120 or more points in seven straight games, going just 3-4 in that span, and have allowed opponents to score 114.2 points per 100 possessions this season (27th in the NBA).
A Big Three of Durant, James Harden and Irving gives the Nets legitimate title aspirations this season. That trio can light up the scoresheet. The question is whether this team can actually stop anybody from scoring, too. When the cellar-dwelling Pistons can put 122 points on you, it's time to make some adjustments on the defensive end.
Until that happens, Brooklyn's upside will be capped.
