Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving made his return to New York City on Tuesday, leaving a lasting impression on fans at Barclays Center during the Mavericks’ 119-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
During the game, one Nets fan captured a moment with Irving as he was preparing to inbound the ball from the sideline. With the game almost sealed for the Mavericks, leading 116-107 with under two minutes remaining, the fan couldn’t resist shouting a question at Irving.
“Kyrie, why don’t you play like this when you were on the Nets? Why, Ky?” the fan exclaimed.
Irving, known for his candid responses, didn’t hesitate to reply, saying, “Thank Mayor Eric Adams for that, bro.”
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Irving’s remark likely referred to his prolonged standoff with New York City authorities over COVID-19 vaccine mandates during the 2021-22 season. Due to his refusal to get vaccinated, Irving was prohibited from playing home games, as Mayor Adams remained steadfast in upholding the city’s vaccination policies.
Despite the off-court controversies, Irving showcased his prowess on the court against his former team. He delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 36 points on 15-of-24 shooting, just one day after the one-year anniversary of the trade that sent him from the Nets to the Mavericks.
One of Irving’s standout moments came with an unexpected alley-oop slam early in the second half, extending the Mavericks’ lead to 22 points.
Irving’s dominant display served as a statement against his former team, solidifying his return to New York City with an emphatic exclamation point.
