NEW YORK — Brooklyn NetsGuard Kyrie IrvingIrving admits that he has never experienced such intense pressure during his career.
Irving stated that he’d never been in a position like this, where all the games are important late in the season. “Usually, you just want to improve your game, work out details, and get some rest. But I’ve only been playing for 40 minutes [at]The season’s end. This is the first time I’ve done it in my career. Although we didn’t win nearly as many games in the final stretch of the season in Cleveland, there wasn’t as much pressure.
Irving stated after Tuesday’s shootaround, that he does not feel that the Nets’ expectations have changed despite coming into Tuesday’s match against the Houston RocketsWith a record of 40-38, they currently rank 10th in Eastern Conference after a season of ups & downs.
Irving said that Irving believes that this was due to pressure from themselves. “It is a must-win-now mentality. Although it is true, it is not the best for us. We’re here for the long term so we’re going play free and doing everything possible to prepare for this tournament.”
Irving stated that it didn’t matter where the Nets are in the play-in tournament. This echos what star forward said. Kevin DurantAfter Monday’s exercise.
Irving said, “It doesn’t really matter.” “We look forward for our opponent. We will prepare for them. Do-or-die situation, one-game elimination. It is what it’s.”
Nets guard Bruce BrownIrving said that he felt the energy of the group was “a bit low” after Monday’s practice. Irving also acknowledged that Irving is still dealing with the issue with the regular season, which has just one week.
“I think Bruce is dealing sort of with the rigors [whole]Irving stated that he was the season. He’s been to most of the games. I bring a new energy and enthusiasm to it. I can confirm that. I have played in so many different basketball situations. It is difficult to judge or see the bigger picture.
Everybody wants to win. If you aren’t winning, it will impact you. It’s important to know how to adjust and make changes. He must be feeling it. Our whole group seemed to be feeling it in some way, but now is not the time to panic. It’s the season’s end and it feels like we are just getting ready for March Madness.
The Nets won’t be without Seth CurryAnd he continues to treat left ankle soreness. Goran DragicAgainst the Rockets, he remains under safety and health protocols. Brown, who was unable to attend Saturday’s loss against the Rockets. Atlanta HawksA non-COVID disease will prevent you from playing.
“I believe we’re in an unusual situation,” Nets center Andre Drummond said. “No one would have predicted that we would find ourselves in this position — this team would be top-5 or top-2, but it happens. It’s the NBA. The NBA is having a great year. It’s a great season. We just need to accept this “play-in” game as it is and then move on.
Irving was unsure if the Nets would still be able to win a title this year if they were healthy when he was asked.
Irving said, “We’ll find out,” “We’ll see, man. It’s impossible to predict the future from this moment. God always humbles me when I try to do this. As I have been saying this season, I will just take it one day at time. Game to game, it’s hard for me to think about who we would play if we won all four games. It’s impossible for me to think that way. I just look forward to tonight, getting up on the home floor and putting on an entertaining show.