Kyrie Irving scores 23 in front of admiring Knicks fans

Agence France-Presse

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Kyrie Irving scores 23 in front of admiring Knicks fans
'It's nothing but a distraction at this point,' says Irving as Knicks fans chant 'We want Kyrie!'

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES, USA – Kyrie Irving, who could become a free agent at the end of the season, finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists as the Boston Celtics defeated the struggling New York Knicks, 113-99, in the NBA on Friday, February 1 (Saturday, February 2, Manila time).

The contest came just one day after the Knicks traded injured Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks which will give New York the funds to go after top free agents this summer. (READ: Knicks trade Kristaps Porzingis to Mavericks)

Knicks fans are hoping Irving will be willing to sign with them – and he got a loud ovation from the crowd of 19,700 at Madison Square Garden when the starting lineups were announced. 

A “We want Kyrie! We want Kyrie!” chant echoed through the arena in the 3rd quarter.

“It’s nothing but a distraction at this point,” said Irving, who was born in Melbourne, Australia but grew up in New Jersey.


 

The New York fans’ admiration might be misdirected as Irving already made a big point at a Celtics’ fan event last fall of telling the crowd he intended to re-sign with Boston. (READ: Kyrie Irving softens stance on Celtics stay)

“Like I said, I’m appreciative of the fan support I get in any arena,” he said on Friday. “Obviously what’s going on in terms of that noise and commentary is just a bunch of nonsense right now. 

“Can’t do anything about it so I’m just accepting, I’m appreciative, but at the same time I’ve got a game to focus on.”

Marcus Morris added 18 points for the Celtics, who won for the eighth time in 9 games.

Damyean Dotson scored 22 points and Kevin Knox had 21 for the hapless Knicks, who lost their 12th straight. New York has now started February with a loss after losing 24 of 27 games in December and January.

The Knicks’ new players weren’t available, so they started Dotson and Kadeem Allen as guards.

In Thursday’s multi-player deal, the Knicks gave up Porzingis, Tim Hardaway, Courtney Lee and Trey Burke to Dallas and received Dennis Smith, DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews, plus two future first-round picks.

Dallas announced Friday that Porzingis will not play this season as he continues to recover from a torn ACL injury. – Rappler.com

 

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