Irving won't return this week, NBA to review videos
While the Brooklyn Nets have kept the reason for Kyrie Irving's absence from the team private, videos of what appears to be the Nets star celebrating at a birthday party have surfaced on social media.
Irving has missed three consecutive games f or personal reasons, and Brooklyn coach Steve Nash has declined to give a reason for his absence, maintaining it's a private matter between Irving and the team. Irving is also listed as “out – personal reasons” for Tuesday's home game against Denver.
Irving's dad, Drederick, and sister, Asia, had birthdays this week, and in the videos, a maskless Irving is seen dancing and next to his sister while she blows out candles, as others in the room record the scene with their phones. It is not known when the videos are from, but the birthday cake has the number 30 on it, which is how old Asia turned on Tuesday.
Depending on when Irving returns, he could be subject to a quarantine period, sidelining him for additional games. The league prohibits players from going to clubs, bars and lounges in its pandemic protocols.
Late Monday BLAZERS 112, RAPTORS 111:
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KINGS 127, PACERS 122:
Buddy Hield made a big 3-pointer moments after Indiana's Domantas Sabonis had a basket taken away following a replay review, and Sacramento beat the Pacers on Monday night. Hield, a former OU star, finished with 18 points on six 3s.
WIZARDS 128, SUNS 107:
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GRIZZLIES 101, CAVALIERS 91:
Dillon Brooks had 21 points and seven rebounds, and Memphis recovered after blowing a 16-point lead to beat Cleveland on Monday night.
HAWKS 112, SIXERS 94:
Former OU and Norman North High star Trae Young scored 26 points, including the first three baskets of Atlanta's dominant start to the second half, and the Hawks beat short-handed Philadelphia on Monday night.
BUCKS 121, MAGIC 99:
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a one-game absence because of a minor back injury and scored 22 points as Milwaukee beat Orlando on Monday night.
HORNETS 109, KNICKS 88:
Gordon Hayward scored 34 points and Charlotte beat New York on Monday night for its fourth straight win.