Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented and controversial players in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks star, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets last month, has been involved in several incidents with fans throughout his career. The latest one happened on Wednesday night, when he faced off against a New Orleans Pelicans fan who tried to give him some basketball advice.
How Did Kyrie Irving Shut Down the Fan Who Tried to Tell Him How to Play Basketball?
The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of the game, which the Mavericks lost 113-106. Irving was standing near the sideline when he heard a fan shouting at him from the courtside seats. The fan allegedly told Irving to pass the ball more and stop being selfish.
Irving did not appreciate the unsolicited advice and decided to respond with a sarcastic remark. He looked at the fan and said: “Nothing like fans telling me how to play basketball. How does that make sense”. He then shook his head and continued playing.
The exchange was caught on video by another fan and quickly went viral on social media. Many people praised Irving for standing up for himself and shutting down the heckler. Others criticized him for being rude and arrogant. In the past when talking about situations like these Irving has expressed that he just has fun with the fans, and never means any disrespect unless they bring that type energy towards him. He has expressed that he respects all fans who pay money to watch him play, but he does not like it when they cross the line and try to tell him how to do his job.
Irving has been playing well for his new team since joining them in February. He has averaged 23 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. He has also formed a dynamic duo with Luka Doncic, who has welcomed him with open arms. Irving finished the game vs Pelicans with 27 points and 4 threes. Unfortunately Doncic injured his thigh during the loss.
Who was right and wrong in this situation, Kyrie or the fan?