Kyrie Irving: We don’t have any expectations of Ben Simmons

Kristian Winfield: Kyrie Irving on Ben Simmons: “We don’t have any expectations of Ben. I’m not going home being like ‘Ben’s gonna be here Games 4-6.’ I don’t know how those reports come out. I’m not expecting him to do anything outside of just getting healthy, and if he is ready, great.”
Source: Twitter @Krisplashed

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Kyrie Irving is returning (again) to Boston for the playoffs, where he’s been Enemy No. 1 among fans. He’s over it:
“I hope we could move past my Boston era and reflect on some of the highlights I left at TD Garden that they can replay. Move forward. Just a new paradigm, baby.” – 2:15 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash is handling a possible return by Robert Williams the same way Ime Udoka is with Ben Simmons. He’ll worry about him when he has to. – 2:09 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Asked if Ben Simmons has been able to do anything more in practice today, Steve Nash said: “He hasn’t been able to do anything yet, so no.” #NetsWorld – 2:08 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
Who had the better Prada fit: Julius Randle or Ben Simmons? #FullCourtFits
👕: https://t.co/ywLPgIWqoI pic.twitter.com/ZS5FTPSk03 – 2:05 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD and Kyrie getting some shots up after practice. Nets went a little longer than usual today at practice. Kyrie just echoed what KD said yesterday — he doesn’t want to put extra pressure on Simmons. Nets will welcome him whenever he’s ready. pic.twitter.com/Afic9sCudU – 1:54 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving on Ben Simmons: “We don’t have any expectations of Ben. I’m not going home being like ‘Ben’s gonna be here Games 4-6.’ I don’t know how those reports come out. I’m not expecting him to do anything outside of just getting healthy, and if he is ready, great.” – 1:35 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving has no expectations of Ben Simmons returning against Boston. Wants him to get healthy and they’ll go from there. – 1:31 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Appreciate everyone who dropped into our Celtics-Nets Q&A today. You can catch up on everything we discussed, from Ime Udoka’s defensive scheme against Kevin Durant to the potential return of Ben Simmons to our favorite MF DOOM track. theathletic.com/3247928/2022/0… – 1:15 PM

Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
The Nets/Celtics X-factor won’t be Ben Simmons, it’s Robert Williams III. @David Thorpe says with Williams, Celtics would have been an easy pick. Instead he predicts a seven-game thriller: https://t.co/by6h6HrY4k pic.twitter.com/c1W4lkvPTd – 11:00 AM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Viewership of Nets games on YES Network this season was up 95% from the 2018-19 season (AKA pre Kyrie and KD). Regular season games this season averaged 78,000 viewers in the New York market. In 2018-19, it was only 40,000 viewers. – 10:05 AM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New #Celtics mailbag features a closer look at Rob Williams potential return timing, strategies to defend KD and Kyrie and why are first round series spaced out so long? masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 8:34 AM

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast!
—The Clippers curse, Ben Simmons advice, Round 1 best bets and half-baked ideas w/ @kevinwildes
—Devin Booker’s evolution, a Phoenix primer, and NBA life in the crazy 80s w/ Eddie Johnson aka @Eddie Johnson
open.spotify.com/episode/35Ndl4… – 8:26 AM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
James Harden-Ben Simmons hype and other top #NBA playoffs storylines nypost.com/2022/04/14/202… via @nypostsports – 10:03 PM

John Hollinger @johnhollinger
🚨🚨 New Episode 🚨🚨
Hollinger & Duncan NBA Show with @Nate Duncan – Playoff extravaganza!
* Durant and Kyrie vs. Boston’s defense
* Worst mismatches – for both players and coaches
* How strong a favorite are Suns?
* Can Bucks repeat?
* And more!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pla… – 8:58 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Ben Simmons isn’t sprinting or doing any work with his teammates yet. But ‘as long as he’s on the court every day, there’s’ optimism about Simmons playing during the Nets-Celtics series: sny.tv/articles/sourc… – 7:31 PM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
NBA Star Power Index: Kyrie Irving, CJ McCollum shine in play-in; Luka Doncic’s injury is nothing to fool with
cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-s… – 2:52 PM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
There is a reported new target window for Ben Simmons return to the lineup during the Nets-Celtics series masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 2:32 PM

Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
I don’t see how the return of Ben Simmons could do anything but disrupt the Nets in the middle of a series against Boston. – 2:24 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Jaylen Brown: “There’s a great inner strength to this team. … There’s no giving up. That’s not even in the vocabulary. There’s no backing down.”
Said it’s a little bit like how the Celtics were in 2018 when they went to the Conference Finals despite losing Hayward/Kyrie. – 2:08 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Jaylen Brown on not getting caught up in trying to outduel Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving: “Basketball is a 5-on-5 game. It’s not a 1-on-1 duel. It’s not a 2-on-2 duel. Basketball is 5-on-5.” – 2:06 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Jaylen Brown on the Celtics matching up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving: “It’s exciting. What more can you ask for? Those are two of the best offensive players to touch the ball in NBA history.” – 2:03 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Jaylen Brown said he is looking forward to the matchup against Durant and Kyrie: “It’s exciting. What more can you ask for? Those are two of the best offensive players to touch a ball in NBA history if you ask certain people.” – 2:02 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
Theis on playing the Nets: “For us, we’re excited. We have a big goal so you’ve gotta beat the best teams. And then playing the Nets now with Kyrie and KD, I think it’s going to be fun. And it will be a good test and a good start for us as a team and as players.” – 1:47 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
KD x Kyrie x Coach’s Meeting pic.twitter.com/4ERMSOFFxe – 12:41 PM

Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
☘️ Celtics-Nets roundtable 🌉
– Is Bruce Brown right about the Celtics front court?
– How do the Nets handle Boston’s offense?
– Can Celtics switch with KD/Kyrie?
– Prediction time
New w/ @Alex Schiffer @Jay King
theathletic.com/3249164/2022/0… – 12:39 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD and Kyrie getting some shots up after practice. Nets are in good spirits — with three practice days ahead of them before heading to Boston pic.twitter.com/yLjkAwnYB1 – 12:37 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
KD And Kyrie in practice. Gotta say Nets have the most beautiful practice court in NBA. pic.twitter.com/hOBBraS0Oi – 12:35 PM

Jay King @ByJayKing
🚨NEW STORY🚨
Celtics vs. Nets roundtable: Jayson Tatum’s offense, handling Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, predictions and more
via @TheAthletic theathletic.com/3249164/2022/0… – 8:30 AM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Some great stuff here about Kyrie Irving from @KevinGArmstrong profile over a decade ago. Irving and family has since cut off this type of access so there’s a lot of things here I didn’t know nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 6:52 AM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Perils of the televised postgame press conference era. Mom called today. Heard me ask Kyrie Irving a question last night. Worried my voice sounded like I might be sick. 🤦‍♂️ – 10:26 PM

Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
With Kyrie back and KD totally locked in, I joined @TheHerd @JoyTaylorTalks discussing why the #Nets are such a tough out heading into the playoffs! 😤
Are you still sleeping on Brooklyn? 💤 pic.twitter.com/ak717ovfn8 – 6:20 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Jayson Tatum on Kyrie Irving: “Obviously we’ve talked and there’s some things that he told me he wish he could do, would’ve done differently.”
When asked for details, Tatum said he didn’t want to get into that. – 1:54 PM

Mark Murphy @Murf56
Jayson Tatum said Kyrie Irving has told him he regrets how he handled certain things re: Boston. Tatum declined to elaborate. – 1:45 PM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jayson Tatum on his time with Kyrie Irving in Boston: “Obviously we’ve talked and there’s some things that he probably told me he wish he could do (or) would’ve done differently.” – 1:44 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Jayson Tatum on his #celtics years with Kyrie Irving: “Obviously we’ve talked and there’s some things that he probably told me wish he could do (or) would’ve done differently. But I think that’s just part of life. Nobody’s perfect, and you just move on from it.” #Nets #NBA – 1:43 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
From last night, Kyrie Irving carried the Nets over his former team in the Play-In by hitting his first 12 shots. What’s next? A first-round series against Irving’s other former team, the Celtics: theathletic.com/3246983/2022/0… – 8:51 AM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kyrie Irving expecting some ‘spectacular basketball’ as underdog Nets face Celtics in playoffs nj.com/nets/2022/04/k… – 8:39 AM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
The Nets jump on the Cavs early to win a play-in game and the No. 7 seed, and now they are Boston bound.
“I know that team very well and they know us very well and it’ll be a back and forth,” Kyrie Irving said.
apnews.com/article/brookl… – 8:37 AM

Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
MVP of the Night: Kyrie Irving
#NBAsFinest pic.twitter.com/L6NnQpUhzn – 6:13 AM

Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
The Nets got A+ games from Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant—and still nearly blew a 22 point lead to a depleted team.
Wrote about why I think they’re in trouble, for @FOXSports/@FOX Sports News:
foxsports.com/stories/nba/br… – 1:31 AM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Amidst a sunup-to-sundown Ramadan fast, Kyrie Irving feasts on the #Cavs for 34 points: “It’s a blessing to be able to do it and still be able to perform. It’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination.” #nets nypost.com/2022/04/12/kyr… via @nypostsports – 1:00 AM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant propel #Nets to play-in win over #Cavaliers. Irving: “Now it’s time to focus in on what the goal is, and that’s to be in that winners circle in the next two months or so and keep playing until June.” #nba nypost.com/2022/04/12/kyr… via @nypostsports – 12:52 AM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kevin Durant had 11 assists tonight & posted career-highs in assist percentage & assists per game this season. “When you have a guy that’s willing to sacrifice himself to get other guys shots and do it consistently… it just gives everybody confidence,” Kyrie Irving said – 11:08 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
“It just really simplifies life and puts it in a greater perspective…. the day starts at like 5:35 in the morning… you can’t really think about being hungry… it’s just a fun journey.”
-Kyrie Irving on playing during Ramadan and how that keeps him grounded and appreciative. pic.twitter.com/0JYLLfRSTa – 10:49 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Nets Post game drama!
-Bruce brown says that with Robert Williams out, the Nets can go at #celtics bigs Al Horford and D. Theis.
-Durant finds out, doesn’t like it.
-Kyrie says ‘I love you.’
KD says it’s Brown’s “caffeine pride talking.”
Then Durant explains why he was mad. pic.twitter.com/9A5bPeAf6l – 10:33 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving leads Nets to play-in win over Cavaliers, into playoff series vs. Celtics nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/12/kyr… – 10:30 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“Everyone who does Ramadan you just commend them — Especially when you got a job like this … He’s a different human being.”
⁃Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving fasting. – 10:22 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving just told Kevin Durant he loves him. Awwwwww – 10:15 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
“Desperation Basketball anything can happen down the stretch… moving forward I got to be more cautious with my fouls.”
-Kyrie Irving – 10:14 PM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Kyrie Irving just used the phrase “touching the pumpkin.” – 10:14 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kyrie Irving says,
“Moving forward I just got to be a lot more cautious with my fouls.” – 10:14 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I don’t know a lot of 7 fitters that are doing what he’s doing — Sometimes it’s hard to stop and put yourself in his shoes.”
⁃Kyrie Irving on Kevin Durant’s passing ability – 10:13 PM

Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Kyrie Irving on Kevin Durant’s 11 assists: “I don”t know a lot of seven-footers that are doing what he’s doing.” – 10:13 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kyrie Irving praises Seth Curry for his defense tonight. – 10:12 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“It’s going to be a great test. I know that team very well and they know us very well.”
⁃Kyrie Irving on facing the Boston Celtics – 10:11 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
“It’s starts with really slowing JT down. He has a great feel playing against us, everyone else around is very complementary to that attack.”
-Kyrie Irving on slowing down Jayson Tatum and the Celtics – 10:10 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kyrie Irving says it’s a blessing to be able to fast for Ramadan and still be able to perform. Says his practice helps him simplify life and the day begins at 5:30 am and it’s a fun journey. Says he’s not alone in this but also likes to keep much of this part of his life private. – 10:09 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“It’s really sacred to me — It’s really a blessing to be able to do it and perform.”
⁃Kyrie Irving on performing well while fasting for Ramadan – 10:08 PM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Bruce Brown is wearing a shirt that says “Boston.” Kyrie Irving sees it as they cross paths on the ways in and out of the press conference room. Irving gives Brown an annoyed grin when he sees it.
Brown: “It’s for T. Clarke.”
Kyrie, putting hands up. “It’s for T. Clarke? My bad.” pic.twitter.com/KCKDgdhUZK – 10:07 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kyrie Irving says,
“We were very patient. Allowing the game to come to us — That’s just a part of the preparation.” – 10:06 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
Bruce Brown says he doesn’t think about how things could have been with Kyrie Irving in the lineup all year, says he’s just enjoying having him now. – 10:03 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“He’s just an amazing player to watch.”
⁃Bruce Brown on Kyrie Irving – 10:03 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Kyrie Irving had 34 points and 12 assists, Kevin Durant added 25 points and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets took the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-108 on Tuesday night in the play-in opener: basketballnews.com/breakingnews/i… – 9:58 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
“As advertised they’re superstars….”
Steve Nash talks about Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s brilliance. And also addresses how #RamadanKyrie got into an unexpected zone. pic.twitter.com/6HHUJIFWl1 – 9:57 PM

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Side note, the Nets looked really vulnerable to me. Yeah, Kyrie and KD went off, but if they both aren’t cooking, then Brooklyn ain’t winning a title. Hard for me to envision them getting 16 playoff victories when their offense is just one-on-one, as brilliant as those two are. – 9:50 PM

Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Charles Barkley: “There’s no way [the Nets] can beat the Celtics … All these fools on these other morning talk shows, can let this ship sail. [Durant and Kyrie] played great and they barely beat a mediocre Cavs team.” – 9:41 PM

Alykhan Bijani @Rockets_Insider
Ramadan Kyrie vs. Ramadan Jaylen in round 1. pic.twitter.com/IpilKqx3oH – 9:40 PM

Dave Early @DavidEarly
“As advertised, they’re superstars.”
Nash on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Says he didn’t expect Kyrie to play *that* well, when a guy finds the zone it’s not predictable. – 9:40 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“They’re superstars — That’s what the top top players do
⁃Steve Nash on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant’s performance – 9:40 PM

Rick Noland @RickNoland
Okoro 0 pts, 1 reb, 1 asst in 13:25….but did hold Kyrie to perfect shooting while on him – 9:38 PM

Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
I admire Cleveland’s tenacity but ultimately the attention to detail wasn’t quite there. The gameplan was sound but they had B execution when they needed A execution. Garland had big numbers but didn’t love his decision-making. They should’ve gone at Kyrie more with LeVert – 9:37 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Stan Van Gundy, responding to a comment about Kyrie fasting for Ramadan: “Do I look like I’ve ever fasted?” – 9:33 PM

Joe Gabriele @CavsJoeG
#Cavs trailed by 22 early 2Q, but made BKN sweat from there, claw back before falling, 115-108; BKN, 53%FG, CLE, 46%; BKN, 24pts off CLE T.O.; Kyrie, 12-15FG, 30pts; Garland, game-hi 32pts, 13-24FG; Love, 14pts, 13reb; Mobley, 19pts, 7reb; Markkanen, 13pts; Rondo, team-hi 9asst. pic.twitter.com/pCY5fVbaEt – 9:33 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Kevin Durant said let’s go home. Helluva game for him late and Kyrie Irving was just terrific. Nets-Celtics Round 1 in a rematch of last year. – 9:32 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Final: #Nets 115, #Cavs 108. Irving 34p (12-15 FG) 3r 12a, Durant 25p 5r 11a, Brown 18p 9r 8a, Drummond 16p 8r. Garland 34p 5a, Mobley 19p 7r, Love 14p 13r – 9:32 PM

Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Bruce Brown scored or assisted on 43 of the Nets’ 45 field goals against the Cavaliers.
They scored or assisted on 29 of the Nets’ 30 points in the 4th quarter. – 9:32 PM

CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Cavaliers vs. Nets score: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving’s dominance helps Brooklyn clinch No. 7 seed in East
cbssports.com/nba/news/caval… – 9:31 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Kyrie tonight:
34 PTS
12 AST
12-15 FG
It’s the first 30p/10a game on 80% shooting since LeBron in the Bubble. pic.twitter.com/2cf5pTkSRp – 9:30 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets beat the Cavaliers 115-108 behind Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Brooklyn’s defense was good, but KD and Kyrie each logged 40 minutes. Something to watch. Everyone get home safely. Nets-Celtics Game 1 is Sunday at TD Garden. See you soon, Beantown. – 9:30 PM

Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
The first round No. 2 vs No. 7 series in the East is set: the Celtics will take on the Nets.
Ime Udoka faces the team he was an assistant coach for and Kyrie Irving returns to Boston. The “we want Boston” chants are ringing out clearly in Barclays Center — even through the TV. – 9:30 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
FINAL: Nets 115, Cavs 108
Kyrie Irving (34 PTS, 12-15 FG), Kevin Durant (25 PTS, 11 ASTS), Bruce Brown (18 PTS, 9 REBS) & the Nets ARE PLAYOFFS BOUND. With the win tonight they are now set to face the Boston Celtics in what is going to be an absolute classic. – 9:29 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Kyrie vs. Boston. Game 1 is Sunday. – 9:29 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Smart and Brown vs. Kyrie
Tatum vs. KD
An explosive offense against a physical, switching defense.
Celtics-Nets could be the best first round series in either conference. – 9:29 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving carry the Nets into a second straight 2-7 series with Boston — only this time the seeds are reversed.
I expect the result to be reversed, too, with the Nets down their third & fourth best players. No matter the result, however, it won’t lack drama. – 9:26 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Kyrie vs Boston.
That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/ANsuDKPPFd – 9:23 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
I’m scared for the Celtics right now. Just watching KD close out in the clutch, Kyrie Irving miss only three shots and going down the list of Brooklyn’s depth is concerning for Boston. Very concerning. – 9:21 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving (30 points, 11 assists) and Kevin Durant (23 points, 11 assists) are the first #Nets teammates to go 20 & 10 in the same game since Derrick Coleman and Rumeal Robinson on April 15 1993 vs. the #Celtics – 9:21 PM

Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Bruce Brown has taken more shots than Durant and Irving. #Nets #Cavs – 9:19 PM

David Thorpe @coachthorpe
This Nets team is like the beach condo my wife and I once checked into. Website showed a beautiful pool, big rooms, a kitchen that seemed perfect. But the bed sucked, birds were in the pool, and the kitchen was cheap. Only the beach was as expected. KD and Kyrie are the beach. – 9:17 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both at 33 minutes tonight with 8:23 left. Both of them have 10 assists or more in the same game for the first time ever. – 9:06 PM

Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
So, Kyrie and KD are 18 of 25, the Cavs are shooting 40% with 14 turnovers…
…and the Nets are only up 6? – 9:04 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Kyrie Irving misses his 1st field goal of the night with 10:09 remaining. Was 12 for 12. – 8:59 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie finally misses after 12 straight makes and Durant checks back in after his customary 90 seconds or so of rest to start the fourth quarter. Nets still up 12 with about 10 minutes to go. – 8:59 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Nets note that Kyrie Irving set a career record tonight for field goals made to start a game. Irving began the night 12-for-12 and just had his first miss (a corner three that was on target). Irving has 30 points and 9 assists vs CLE. Nets lead by 12 with ten minutes to go. – 8:59 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kyrie finally missed — he’s now 12-for-13 on the night. He has been terrific offensively all night. He also has nine assists — the Nets have thrived off the momentum he provided early in the game. – 8:59 PM

Kelsey Russo @kelseyyrusso
That was Kyrie’s first miss of the night. He’s 12 of 13 from the field and 3 of 4 from 3. – 8:58 PM

Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Kyrie missed. – 8:58 PM

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Nets say Kyrie Irving is 12-of-12 from the field through three quarters en route to a game-high 30 points. The 12 field goals made without a miss are the most to start a game in Irving’s career (previous high: 10 straight, done twice). Elias. pic.twitter.com/nPcgdDPL52 – 8:57 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
END OF Q3: Nets 85, Cavs 73
Despite an early barrage of 3s and an early 22-point lead, the Cavs are still in arm’s reach of making this a game in the 4th quarter.
Kyrie Irving has 28 points and hasn’t missed a shot, KD & Drum each have 16 & Bruce has 12. 13 BKN bench pts. – 8:53 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
End of the third quarter: Nets lead the Cavaliers 85-73. Kyrie has yet to miss a shot, but Cleveland is still within range. Do they have a run in them? – 8:52 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
End of 3rd QTR: Nets 85, Cavs 73
Kyrie Irving (28 PTS, 11-11 FG), Kevin Durant (16 PTS, 11 ASTS), Andre Drummond (16 PTS, 8 REBS) & the Nets aren’t taking their feet off the gas. They entered the third period up 14 and have managed to keep the lead at 12. – 8:52 PM

Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving the single most skilled 1-2 duo in NBA history. It’s even more impressive that despite their massive size difference, they both get their buckets at all three levels — often with otherworldly handle/footwork. #Nets #NBAPlayin – 8:49 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Timeout, Brooklyn: Kyrie Irving subs out, and the Cavs have gone on a mini 6-2 run. Irving has 28 points on a perfect 11-of-11 shooting. The Nets led by as many as 22 but are up 83-71 now with 1:00 to go in the 3rd quarter. – 8:49 PM

Tas Melas @TasMelas
So many former Cavs/Nets:
Was a Net: LeVert, Ed Davis, Jarrett Allen
Was a Cav: Kyrie, Drummond, Curry, Joe Harris – 8:34 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Nets keep a ball alive long enough to get it back to Irving, whose 3-pointer makes him 10 for 10 and the score 67-47. – 8:28 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving hits a 3 to put the Nets up 20. He’s 10-for-10 from the field. – 8:27 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
Nets fans watching Kyrie shoot 100% in the 1st half pic.twitter.com/xNpNCVLo95 – 8:23 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
There’s a stoppage of play, a 30-second officials timeout. A Nets team trainer appeared to look at Kyrie Irving’s hand but all appears well. – 8:22 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Kyrie Power Rankings:
1. Untucked Kyrie
2. Part-time Kyrie
3. Facemask Kyrie
4. Headband Kyrie
5. Ramadan Kyrie pic.twitter.com/H61BqgrB65 – 8:17 PM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Kyrie + KD in the first half: a combined 13-of-14 shooting from the floor and 4-of-4 from the line. KD has 12 and 7 assists. Kyrie has 20 points and four assists. The Nets are up 14 at the half because their stars almost literally can’t miss. – 8:17 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have a combined 32 points (13-14 FGs), 6 rebounds, 11 assists. Durant with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists. Kevin Love with 11 points, 6 rebounds for #Cavs, Darius Garland 10 points (4-10 FGs), 3 assists. – 8:17 PM

Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Only points in the first half for the Nets not involving Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant (scoring or assisting):
Drummond layup (8:17 in 1st qtr)
Mills 3-pt FG (4:35 in 2nd qtr)
Drummond free throw (3:46 in 2nd qtr). – 8:15 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Not to be forgotten: Kyrie Irving is fasting for Ramadan, which means nothing to eat or drink between dawn and sunset. – 8:14 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Nets’ stars are delivering so far in tonight’s Play-In game: Kyrie Irving has 20 1st-half points (9-for-9 from the floor) & Kevin Durant has 12 (4-for-5 shooting) & 7 assists as BKN lead Cavs by 14 at the half. Brooklyn shot 59 percent from the floor in the first two quarters. – 8:13 PM

Bradley Beal @RealDealBeal23
Kyrie is locked!!! – 8:13 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
KYRIE CAN’T MISS
(📼 @NBATV)
pic.twitter.com/DETvXNMTcH – 8:12 PM

Joe Gabriele @CavsJoeG
#Cavs down, 57-43, despite outscoring BKN, 23-17, in 2Q; CLE, 35%FG, 3-14 3ptFG, BKN, 59%FG, 6-14 3ptFG; Kyrie, 9-9FG, 20pts; CLE, just 8asst; CLE, 20 bench pts; pts off T.O.: BKN, 11, CLE, 0; Love, 11pts, 4-6FG, 2-2 3ptFG, team-hi 6reb; Garland, 10pts, 4-10FG, 3asst. pic.twitter.com/iDtMuC3y3D – 8:11 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Per #Nets. Irving’s 9 for 9 is the most field goals in a half without a miss in the team’s last 25 seasons. (All were first halves) – 8:10 PM

Cody Taylor @CodyTaylorNBA
I’ve seen Kyrie Irving do this before 🔥 – 8:09 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
#Cavs outscore the Nets 23-17 (11 by Kyrie) in the second quarter and still only cut a 20-point 1st quarter deficit to 14. – 8:09 PM

Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
It’s a good thing Kyrie Irving is lightening it up for the Nets in the play-in game given that he is the reason they ended up in the play-in round. – 8:08 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Kyrie in the first half:
20 PTS
9-9 FG
2-2 3P
It’s his third 20-point half this season. Only Luka has more (6). pic.twitter.com/KIrkE4Hpv0 – 8:08 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
Kyrie and KD against the Cavs so far tonight pic.twitter.com/xiEnNKRNbW – 8:08 PM

John Karalis @John_Karalis
Kyrie Irving is a perfect 9-9 for 20 points. Kevin Durant has 12 on 4-5 shooting at the half. Brooklyn is up 14 at halftime of the play-in game.
I’ll tell you this though, I’m betting Boston is hoping Brooklyn plays the exact same way on Sunday – 8:07 PM

Eric Patten @EricPatten
Nets are probably title favorites if Durant and Irving go 13-14 every half – 8:07 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
This is Kyrie Irving in his 40-point night #Cavs form. Irving has 20 points in 20 minutes, 8 in the last 46 seconds. Has gone 9 for 9 from the field (2-2 from deep) with 4 assists as #Nets lead 57-43 at half. – 8:07 PM

Rick Noland @RickNoland
KD, Kyrie 32 pts on 13-14 fg – 8:07 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Kyrie Irving completes perfect 9-for-9 half at the buzzer pic.twitter.com/5JA5Dflrlt – 8:07 PM

Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
In my expert opinion, Cleveland should try to get Kyrie to miss a shot. – 8:07 PM

Kelsey Russo @kelseyyrusso
You just knew when Kyrie let go of that shot it was going in. Nets lead #Cavs 57-43 at the end of the first half. – 8:06 PM

Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
30 points on 13 shots for KD and Kyrie in the first half. Nothing you can do about that level of shotmaking. – 8:06 PM

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Kyrie so different, man. Lord have mercy 😭😭 – 8:06 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Kyrie Irving just isn’t fair dude lol that’s a tough shot to end the half – 8:06 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Nets lead the Cavs 57-43. Masterful defense from Brooklyn. Kyrie Irving just beat the buzzer a quarter after Nic Claxton did. Cleveland shooting just 35 percent from the field and 21 from 3. Irving is 9-for-9, Durant is in triple-double range with 12, five and seven. – 8:06 PM

Dave Mason @DeuceMason
LOL That shot by Kyrie was disgusting. 20 pts on 9-9 FG in the first half. – 8:06 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving just danced around Caris LeVert and away from Evan Mobley before fading out of bounds to hit a buzzer-beating mid-range shot to end the half.
Nets 57, Cavs 43
Kyrie has 20 and KD has 12. – 8:06 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Kyrie and KD have set the tone for the Nets tonight — and everyone else has followed. Kyrie is now 9-for-9 from the field and already has 20 points. KD is 4-for-5 and has 12. This is exactly the way the Nets thought they could play. – 8:06 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
When Nic Claxton is hitting jumpers and and Kyrie Irving is nailing buzzer beaters you can’t lose. – 8:06 PM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
are you kidding me kyrie?? that dude is so special with the basketball in his hands – 8:05 PM

Eric Paschall @epaschall
Kyrie is wilding!!!!! – 8:05 PM

Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Good Lord, Kyrie. – 8:05 PM

Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
Kyrie Irving. – 8:05 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Wow Kyrie…What a half. – 8:05 PM

Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Kyrie when he’s right, he’s really right. #Nets #Cavs – 8:05 PM

Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
I remember *this* Kyrie Irving. Gracious. – 8:05 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
HALF: Nets 57, Cavs 43
Kyrie Irving (20 PTS, 4 ASTS), Kevin Durant (12 PTS, 7 ASTS, 5 REBS), Andre Drummond (7 PTS, 5 REBS) & the Nets are giving up too many second chance points. Brooklyn has already conceded 10 second chance points. – 8:05 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Kyrie and KD right now ♨️ pic.twitter.com/eeEhJT5382 – 7:41 PM

Zach Kram @zachkram
It’s not really fair that an offense with Durant and Irving can also get random long jumpers from Nic Claxton to splash, just for fun – 7:39 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Kyrie Irving with 11 points, 4 assists for Nets, Kevin Durant 8 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists. – 7:38 PM

Dave Mason @DeuceMason
Nets put on a clinic in the 1st Q.
17-24 FG, 70.8% FG plus KD and Kyrie didn’t miss a shot (19 pts and 10 asts combined). – 7:37 PM

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant combine to go 8 for 8 from the field as #Nets take a 40-20 first-quarter lead. Nets shot 70% from field, 4 for 6 from deep. – 7:37 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving has 11 points and Kevin Durant six assists. #Nets, shooting .708, are up 20 after the first quarter. #Cavs – 7:37 PM

Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving scored or assisted on 38 of the Nets’ 40 points in the first quarter.
The only points not created by them was an Andre Drummond layup from an offensive rebound. – 7:36 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
End of 1st QTR: Nets 40, Cavs 20
Kyrie Irving (11 PTS), Kevin Durant (8 PTS), Bruce Brown (7 PTS) & the Nets are getting what they want in the paint. They’re outscoring Cleveland 18-10 in the interior. Brooklyn is also taking care of the ball, they only have one turnover. – 7:35 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Irving is 5 for 5, Durant is 3 for 3 – and Bruce Brown has as many shots as the two of them combined. Cavs have to find somebody they can stop quickly. Nets threating to run away with this, up 15 late in the first quarter. – 7:34 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Dragic replaces Irving. – 7:33 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Man…Love was right on that shot from Kyrie and it just didn’t matter. – 7:33 PM

Joe Vardon @joevardon
Kyrie Irving is playing while fasting, in observance of Ramadan. It’s one of his many conversions and changes throughout his twisting and turning career, many of them I tried to explain here, ⁦@The Athletic⁩ theathletic.com/3108705/2022/0… – 7:28 PM

Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Strong start for Nets –the defense has played with the intensity it needed. Kyrie/KD are a combined 5-for-5 from the field. The Nets already have 16 points in the paint. They are playing like a team that would like to take advantage of the fact it can have 4 days off with a win – 7:26 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant with a dime to Kyrie Irving on the fast break, his third assist already. As Irving calls him, PG from PG. #Nets lead the #Cavs 23-14 with 3:52 in the first quarter. – 7:25 PM

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
The Osman/Love PnR defense combo might not be optimal to guard Kyrie – 7:24 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving gets out in transition for the layup. Nets up 23-14 with 3:52 left in the first. – 7:24 PM

Barbara Barker @meanbarb
To quote Kyrie Irving and Marvin Gaye, “Let’s get it on.” pic.twitter.com/ViGxkoyUio – 7:05 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Gotta watch out for Kyrie Irving tonight. This is a 7PM game, and the sun doesn’t set until 730. Kyrie is usually eating fruit on the sidelines shortly after tipoff. He will be playing hungry and thirsty to start this game. – 7:05 PM

Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Should fellow unvaxxed players (like Matisse Thybulle), whoever they might be, step forward to align themselves with Kyrie Irving, @Chris Haynes asks? My answer: pic.twitter.com/zZVOqulE5F – 6:48 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets starters vs. Cleveland for the Play-In: Irving, Curry, Durant, Brown and Drummond – 6:31 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
The Nets’ Starters vs. the Cavs:
👴🏾Kyrie Irving
💦Seth Curry
🔒Bruce Brown
💲Kevin Durant
🦍Andre Drummond – 6:31 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Darius 🆚 Kyrie
Tonight’s two of the league’s top PGs face off in the #MetaQuestPlayIn.
@Cleveland Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff knows his guy is ready for the marquee matchup. pic.twitter.com/YWtk6G8VVn – 5:45 PM

More on this storyline

However, on Thursday, it was reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania that Simmons is hoping to play by Game 4 to Game 6, if needed, of the Celtics series. Ben Simmons hasn’t played in a professional basketball game since June 20, 2021. He’s remained out during the entire 2022 season due to a recurring back injury and mental health concerns. On the other hand, Nets teammate Kevin Durant does not think Simmons will be ready to play during the Celtics series. “Nah, I’m not expecting him to play,” Durant said, via SNY. “I’m not putting any pressure on Ben to come out there and hoop. I’m not expecting him to do anything but get his body right and get healthy as fast as he can. In my mind, I’m preparing as if we’re playing with the team we have.” -via Sports Illustrated / April 15, 2022

Nick Friedell: Nash: “There’s a chance Ben comes back, there’s a chance he doesn’t come back. So I think for us we got to focus on the group — support Ben and his journey to get back on the floor, but at the same time we don’t have time to lose focus on the group that’s playing.” -via Twitter @NickFriedell / April 14, 2022

Shams Charania: Sources: Nets three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is targeting a return within Games 4-6 (April 25-29) of first-round series vs. Celtics. -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / April 14, 2022