(Indianapolis) Kyrie Irving had 22 points in his first game this season, helping the Brooklyn Nets win 129-121 over the Pacers, Indiana.
Kevin Durant led Brooklyn with 39 points.
Irving played 32 minutes, helping the Nets to stop a three-game losing streak.
Domantas Sabonis amassed 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the Pacers, who have lost six straight games.
With 7:23 to go, Patty Mills had a three-point shot giving the Nets a 107-106 lead. Irving made the next two baskets and the visitors remained in control.
Excluded from the team’s first 35 games because not vaccinated against COVID-19, Irving was among the starting players.
“He could play several, several minutes,” said coach Steve Nash, before the game. He had three or four days to train on a field. ”
Vaccine requirements in New York City have kept Irving away from Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden.
Irving said refusing the vaccine was best for him, and that he was aware of the consequences.
He can play in cities where there is no vaccine requirement for sports venues, however.
Until recently, the Nets didn’t want a part-time player, who they could only count on abroad.
Things have changed. In the context of a pandemic and related absences, having a part-time star was a better option than hiring other players through 10-day contracts.
“So why don’t you bring him back?” Nash summed up.
The NBA has said that 97% of its players are fully vaccinated – suggesting that no more than 15 players are unvaccinated.
The NFL has said that about 95% of its players are vaccinated and the NHL is talking about a rate of 99%, with no more than four players unvaccinated.
Last month, the NBA said two-thirds of players had had a booster dose; in recent weeks there has been pressure to do so from the league and the NBPA.
The recent increase in virus-related problems has been highlighted as proof that additional doses of the vaccine are essential to keep the league running.
“The extra doses are very effective,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said last month.
Unvaccinated NBA players face almost daily testing (except days off without a game, training, or travel) and more stringent requirements, such as not being able to eat with their teammates.
Irving has averaged 27 points per game over the past two seasons.
In 2020-21, he became the ninth player in history with a success rate of 50% in continuous play, 40% for three-pointers and 90% for free throws.
The Nets will try to establish continuity with two teams: one away from home with Irving and one at home without him.
The Nets are banking on Irving’s close relationship with Kevin Durant, as well as the contribution of veterans such as James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin.
“They have a group that is mature and experienced enough to understand the dynamics of the rules and the business side of basketball,” said Brian Shaw, assistant coach with the Clippers. They will make the most of the situation. ”