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Mavericks' Kyrie Irving passionately defends Karl-Anthony Towns from trolls

Mavericks' Kyrie Irving passionately defends Karl-Anthony Towns from trolls

Yahooa day ago

The post Mavericks' Kyrie Irving passionately defends Karl-Anthony Towns from trolls appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Dallas Mavericks may be out of the postseason, but Kyrie Irving is still making headlines—and this time, it's not for his play on the court. In a recent Twitch stream, the Dallas Mavericks guard stood up for his longtime friend and fellow New Jersey native, Karl-Anthony Towns, as the New York Knicks big man faced waves of online trolling following the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
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In the stream, which quickly went viral, Irving addressed critics targeting Towns after the Knicks' loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.
'Y'all gotta stop making fun of my brother KAT… I don't agree all the time when he be changing up his tone, but he's a man, he's my brother, and I protect him.'
Towns, who averaged 24.4 points and 12.6 rebounds this season, drew online ridicule not just for his on-court inconsistencies, but for moments when fans claimed he broke character—labeling him 'zesty' in viral clips. Despite a string of strong playoff performances, including a 35-point showing against the Indiana Pacers, criticism around his demeanor and fluctuating efficiency gained traction. Still, Irving was quick to defend Towns' growth, resilience, and undeniable impact, urging fans to respect his evolution both as a player and person.
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Their bond dates back to childhood in New Jersey, where both overcame adversity en route to NBA stardom. Towns even credits Irving for helping him add a signature fadeaway jumper to his arsenal.
While the Mavs await Irving's return from a torn ACL, his leadership continues to be felt beyond the court. Irving's passionate support of Towns shows the kind of player mentorship that matters in today's league—not just about stats, but solidarity.
Towns, who was traded to the Knicks before the 2024 season tipped off, remains a central piece of their long-term plans. While his contract is already secured, the public conversation around his value continues—and support from a respected peer like Irving may help shift that narrative.
The Mavericks guard wrapped up his Twitch stream with a mix of humor and heart, even joking he'd 'retaliate in GTA' if the memes didn't stop. But beneath the sarcasm was a serious message, players protect their own.
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As both stars face defining periods—Irving in recovery, Towns striving for consistency—their bond continues to resonate across the league.
Related: Mavericks reject Knicks' Jason Kidd interview request
Related: NBA reveals 2025 Mexico City matchup

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Readers sound off on James Dolan, candidate proposals and open records reform
Readers sound off on James Dolan, candidate proposals and open records reform

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timean hour ago

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Readers sound off on James Dolan, candidate proposals and open records reform

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Pacers Breakout NBA Finals Star 'Expected' to Be Trade Target
Pacers Breakout NBA Finals Star 'Expected' to Be Trade Target

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time2 hours ago

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Pacers Breakout NBA Finals Star 'Expected' to Be Trade Target

Pacers Breakout NBA Finals Star 'Expected' to Be Trade Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Wednesday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals series between the Pacers and the Thunder featured a guy who has been the breakout player of the 2025 postseason--point guard Tyrese Haliburton--as well as three-time All-Star Pascal Siakam and newly crowned NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Yet the leading scorer was a bench player who had tallied 23 total points in his previous three games. Advertisement That would be Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin. On a mere 12 field-goal attempts, Mathurin managed 27 points, as he went 2-for-3 from the 3-point line and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. Such has been life in Indiana for Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He thrives as a high-volume shot creator, but plays for a team that operates on a ball-sharing, no-star basis. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) battle for the loose ball during the third quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Mathurin is capable of having 27-point outbursts, as he did in Game 3. It's also no surprise when he chips in a mere five points in 16 minutes, as he did in Game 1. And while, maybe, if the Pacers pull off the upset and win this series over the Thunder, the team will happily bring back everyone on the roster, around the league, there are rumblings that Mathurin could land on the trade block this summer. Advertisement "I think that's almost expected," one NBA GM said. "If they want to keep other guys, someone has to go. They don't want to pay (Mathurin) so, the expectation is they'll see what they can get now while they can." Mathurin averaged 16.1 points this season, but the fit with the Pacers is specious. He has a salary of $9.2 million due next year, but he is up for a rookie scale extension this summer. The Pacers are expected to shell out to keep free-agent center Myles Turner this summer, but dealing Mathurin would partially offset his contract. The Pacers are not certain to trade Mathurin. If there is not a great market for him, the team could hold onto him for another year and seek to use him in a sign-and-trade in 2026, when he will be a restricted free agent if no extension deal is reached. Advertisement But they could pay a price by waiting. "Trading a restricted free agent, you're up against a wall," the GM said. "You want to make the deal now. And he is a young guy--he is 23 (next week). There will be a good market for him because a lot of young teams see him as a guy you can get a lot more out of in a different situation, with the ball in his hands more. "If you're the Pacers, you certainly have to listen to offers." The NBA Finals still have a long way to go, of course. But transaction season is sneaking up on the league, too. And Mathurin could loom as a target when that comes around. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.

Grizzlies' Ja Morant Makes Major Career Move
Grizzlies' Ja Morant Makes Major Career Move

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Grizzlies' Ja Morant Makes Major Career Move

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