Kyrie Irving made a triumphant return to the Barclay Center, scoring 36 points against his former team, the Nets. However, the highlight of the night was not just his performance on the court, but also a jab he took at NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Key Takeaway
Kyrie Irving’s return to the Barclay Center was marked by an outstanding performance on the court and a controversial jab at NYC Mayor Eric Adams, referencing the vaccine mandate that prevented him from playing for the Nets in New York.
The Background
During the game, a courtside fan asked Irving why he didn’t play like this when he was with the Nets. Irving’s response was, “Thank Mayor Adams for that, bro.” This comment was a direct reference to Adams’ COVID-19 vaccine mandate policy, which prevented Irving from playing home games or games in New York due to his decision not to get vaccinated.
The Controversy
Irving’s absence due to the vaccine mandate was not only a setback for the Nets on the court but also sparked significant controversy, given the divisive nature of the vaccine mandate issue.
Irving’s Return and Response
Despite the jab at Mayor Adams during the game, Irving spoke positively about his return to Brooklyn after the game. He expressed that he was at peace with what had happened and was glad to have made a positive impact on the community.
The Outcome
Although some fans booed Irving during player introductions, he had the last laugh as the Mavericks emerged victorious with a 119-107 win over the Nets.
