After a layoff that accumulates eight games, it seems that Kyrie Irving will return to brooklyn nets when receiving Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
After a difficult start to the season, Brooklyn made progress in Irving’s absence, eventually posting a 5-3 record without him.a stark contrast to his record They were 2-6 in the first eight games with Irving in the team.
To be fair, the opposite of the record It doesn’t necessarily mean the Nets are a better team without Irvingwho is averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season.
In Irving’s absence, Brooklyn faced some minor opponentsminimize external noise by appoints Jacques Vaughan as coach team leader and welcomed a improved Ben Simmons. Simply put, Brooklyn may not be better off without Irving, but it sure has changed in recent weeks.
How different are the Nets with Irving on and off the team? The two samples of eight parties give an idea.
Brooklyn Nets performance with and without Kyrie Irving
| with irving | not irving | All games | |
| Races | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Offensive rating | 111.6 | 112.0 | 111.8 |
| Defensive rating | 118.3 | 106.3 | 112.4 |
| Net Rating | -6.7 | 5.7 | -0.6 |
| Record | 2-6 | 5-3 | 7-9 |
At first glance, it might appear that Brooklyn is a much better team defensively without Irving: His defensive rating of 106.3 during his eight-game layoff would be second in the NBA. Anyway, there is something else.
The impressive number is largely due to the Nets holding some teams under 100 points, but allowing 153 points in 48 minutes against the Kings and 116 points to a Lakers team without LeBron James. Simmons’ presence and Vaughn’s coaching have made some subtle differences defensively, but Irving’s offensive prowess makes up for any potential defensive deficiencies.
When talking about the Nets offense, the conversation has to start with Kevin Durant, who is averaging 30.6 points per game this season. Without Irving, however, Durant’s role changes slightly.
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Kevin Durant with and without Kyrie Irving
| with irving | not irving | full season | |
| Races | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| minutes on average | 37.8 | 35.7 | 36.8 |
| grade point average | 32.5 | 28.8 | 30.6 |
| Shots Attempted Average | 20.1 | 18.6 | 19.4 |
| Free Throw Attempt Average | 10.1 | 8.6 | 9.4 |
| rebound average | 5.6 | 7.5 | 6.6 |
| average assists | 4.4 | 6.0 | 5.2 |
Durant’s minutes have been reduced in Irving’s absence thanks, in large part, to the fact that several of the team’s last eight games have been playoff games well before the end. Aside from playing time, the numbers show a difference in focus.
Without Irving’s 5.1 assists per game, Durant takes on more of a playmaking role, averaging 6 assists with Irving out. By focusing more on playmaking, Durant’s shot attempts decrease, as does his scoring.
Another KD/Ben connection ‼️ pic.twitter.com/Ll7TTmdoNp
—Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 18, 2022
That’s not to say that 28.8 points per game isn’t a high scoring percentage — it is — but Irving’s return could mean that Durant plays less point guard and looks for more offense to score and get free throws.
In addition to Irving’s return, the Nets have enjoyed the improved play of Simmons, another point guard who will allow their offense to flow more.
Irving’s return comes as the team is moving in the right direction, and contrary to what some numbers might suggest, his presence will only help the Nets’ efforts to turn things around.
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
