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Time of India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Kyrie Irving Responds to Kevin Durant's Comments on Brooklyn Nets Collapse: 'The Turmoil Started Long Before This Season"
Kevin Durant (Image Source - Getty Images) In a new twist to the story of the Brooklyn Nets ' failed superteam, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has responded to Kevin Durant 's recent remarks, offering his own perspective on the breakdown of their once-promising partnership. Durant's candid comments about the Nets' struggles sparked a wave of debate, and Irving isn't holding back. Kevin Durant Opens Up about Brooklyn Nets ' Failure on Podcast Appearing on the Mind the Game podcast, Kevin Durant gave fans an inside look at the dissolution of the trio he formed with Kyrie Irving and James Harden in Brooklyn. He reflected on a key conversation with Irving during their tenure: 'We had this conversation in Portland… I'm like, who am I spending my next five years with?' Durant painted a bleak picture—of fractured chemistry, lingering injuries, and mounting off-court distractions that never allowed the Nets to reach their potential. The team's era ended with just one playoff series win and all three stars eventually being traded. Kyrie Irving Retaliates: 'That's Not the Whole Story' The Truth About Kevin Durant's Nets Experience | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME Not long after Kevin Durant's podcast went viral, Kyrie Irving addressed the situation, countering the narrative that the team fell apart solely because of internal player dynamics. 'The turmoil in Brooklyn started long before this season—it began after the first year of me and KD's tenure with the Nets back in 2019-20,' Irving said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Narayana Excels in JEE Advanced 2025 Narayana Group Read More Undo He pointed to deeper-rooted issues within the organization and external pressures—such as management decisions, media scrutiny, vaccine mandates, and suspensions—that derailed their plans. 'There were some unfortunate circumstances… whether it be the vaccine mandate or missing games, me suspended—just little things that put wrenches in our journey,' Kyrie Irving noted. No Bad Blood with Kevin Durant Despite public speculation, Irving was clear that there's no animosity between him and Durant. 'There's never been one moment where I've felt like he's been angry at me… or I've been angry at him,' he said. 'We just tried to understand each other better and grow as brothers.' Irving also acknowledged Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix, saying, 'I'm just glad that [KD] got out of there,' implying that both players sought a healthier environment to succeed. A New Chapter in Dallas with Kyrie Irving Kyrie Irving has found stability in Dallas and seems at peace with his new role. 'I know I'm going to be at a place where I'm celebrated and not just tolerated,' he said, noting he felt disrespected at times during his Brooklyn stint. The move has rejuvenated his career, and his performances with the Mavericks have silenced many of the doubts that followed him from Brooklyn. A Superteam That Never Was Despite all the hype, the Nets' Big Three played only 14 games together. The fallout remains a hot topic among NBA fans and analysts, who continue to debate what went wrong—and what could have been. Also read: NBA Legend Makes Bold Claim About Team USA For 2028 Olympics as Global Rivals Rise: Can They Bag The First Place? From viral podcast clips to Twitter debates, the drama surrounding Brooklyn's collapse is far from over. Kyrie Irving's rebuttal reminds fans that in the NBA, superstar partnerships can be electric—but they're often just as combustible off the court as on it. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kevin Durant gives heartfelt credit to his mom Wanda Durant for his stunning basketball career
Kevin Durant. Image via: KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty images Kevin Durant's career has spanned legendary milestones. He has multiple NBA championships, Olympic gold medals, and MVP honors to his credit. Yet, despite all the global recognition and accolades, Durant made it clear that his journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering belief of one person, his mother, Wanda Durant. In a personal conversation with LeBron James and Steve Nash on the Mind the Game podcast, the 36-year-old superstar opened up about how his mother's faith laid the foundation for everything he achieved on the court. Kevin Durant honors his mom, Wanda Durant, as the true MVP behind his legendary basketball journey Kevin Durant showed his immense gratitude to his mother, Wanda Durant in a candid chat with LeBron James and Steve Nash. 'Yeah. It's my mom's for sure. I mean obviously it's always going to be your mom's. Yeah. But it's like I tune her out at a certain point. You know what I'm saying?' Durant shared, reflecting on his early years. 'So it was for sure. You know when I look back on it I for sure appreciated my mom telling me that I was going to be great. But I always knew that. Of course she going to say that.' The Truth About Kevin Durant's Nets Experience | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME The candid moment showed a side of Durant that fans rarely see as an elite athlete, shaped by a community and a mother who kept pushing him forward. 'She was calling me handsome when I was going to school and they was like, 'Oh no.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ter um Mitsubishi 0 km ficou mais fácil, prático e seguro com o MIT Assinatura Mitsubishi Saiba Mais Undo You know what I'm saying?' he continued, playfully acknowledging his mom's unwavering support. 'I was looking for some validation from my coaches, my teammates... then my friends start to knock on my door. Can Katie come play today?' From those early neighborhood games to the NBA spotlight, Durant's love for basketball was also nurtured by the community around him. 'I was just grateful to have a rec center in my neighborhood that... provided a space for the kids. You know what I'm saying? And I was grateful. You know, most of my friends come from hooping... I travel this world because of that.' From being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics to winning two titles with the Warriors and now joining the Houston Rockets in a record-breaking seven-team deal, Durant's career continues to evolve. 'Houston, Can't Wait!' he wrote on social media. But at every stage, Wanda Durant's influence remains a central force. As Rockets coach Ime Udoka said, 'His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation.' Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers $10 billion deal left Shaquille O'Neal 'upset' for one major reason Today, without a doubt, Durant is one of the most accomplished NBA stars in the league with his elite status in the league. While his tenure with the Rockets is yet to be seen, fans expect his showdown with his new franchise as well. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Kevin Durant and Steve Nash revealed big issues with small guards in modern NBA games
Kevin Durant and Steve Nash. Image via: Mind the Game/ YouTube (screengrab) The NBA has seen a dramatic shift in how teams value certain skill sets, and the modern game may be pushing small guards toward the margins. In a candid discussion on the Mind the Game podcast, Kevin Durant and Hall of Famer Steve Nash discussed the challenges that undersized guards face in today's positionless, switch-heavy league. With playoff success depending more and more on defensive versatility, even talented scorers under 6'2" are struggling to stay impactful on the floor. Kevin Durant and Steve Nash expose growing disadvantages for small guards in today's evolving NBA Kevin Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, didn't hold back when speaking on how the league is evolving. 'I don't know if the 6'2 and under guard is at a premium no more as a starter,' he said. 'Maybe as a backup.' His comments reflect a growing sentiment among players and analysts. In today's scenario, the game is too focused on size and defense for smaller guards to thrive without exceptional tools. The Kevin Durant Interview (Part 1) | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME Steve Nash agreed but pointed out that only certain body types and playing styles now make the cut. 'It's that either Donovan Mitchell, Jrue Holiday 6'3, Lou Dort,' Nash said. 'Or it's, nah, you got to be (bigger).' Durant expanded on that thought with a harsh truth. 'You can't get picked on on defense,' he said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo by Taboola by Taboola 'That's the thing. Because we're playing such a pick on game that they will literally — if you can't guard — they will bring you up every play. If you're 6'0, 6'1 and you're not a bulldog like Davion Mitchell, Jrue Holiday on the defensive side or you're not an offensive flat out savant like Kyrie (Irving) where you can score on dudes that's 7'0 easily in ISO, then I just can't see it. ' Their conversation shifted to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, a skilled offensive player who was often targeted on defense during the postseason. Nash praised Garland's game, saying, 'He's an amazing basketball player. We don't talk about him as this amazing (player) because of the era. If he played in any other era, I think his value would be through the roof. He's that skilled. He's water bug. He's got every shot. He can playmake, but it's an era where you also have to help that dude out defensively all the time.' Durant agreed with Nash's points but added, 'If you want a chance to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, you are going at Darius Garland most the time on the defensive side. That's not saying he's going to get scored on every time. He's just small.' Also Read: NBA analyst drops bombshell comments on LeBron James and Luka Doncic chemistry: 'This is Luka's team now' Durant used Orlando's Paolo Banchero, a 6'10" offensive mismatch, as an example of the type of players that exploit smaller defenders. Still, he credited Cleveland's system for trying to cover for Garland's physical limitations. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
LeBron James is very 'intrigued' by different goaltending rules in basketball
LeBron James (Image via Getty Images) LeBron James has completed 22 seasons in the NBA and played for the Olympics as a member of the United States team four times. And over the years, he has seen many rules change and evolve as the game itself has evolved with time. And one such rule that he would like to see changed is that of goaltending. The rules for goaltending in the NBA and the international games that he has played as a member of the United States team are vastly different, and James thinks this change could be implemented in the NBA. LeBron James would like to see some changes in the rules in the NBA When it comes to goaltending, in international play a player can knock the ball off the rim if it's bouncing around during a bucket. But if the same happened in the NBA, the basket would count. This is one rule that the Los Angeles Lakers star player, LeBron James thinks could be changed in the league. Recently, during his latest Mind the Game podcast episode with co-host Steve Nash, James said: "I've been very intrigued with the goaltending rule. I actually love it. I love it. It's exciting." LeBron James & Steve Nash Answer Fans Burning Questions | MIND THE GAME He further added that while it's not a common occurrence, this change could bring some excitement to the game. "It doesn't happen as much as you would think. Even when you're playing against the international guys and this is their rule, sometimes the ball is tinkering around the rim and they just kind of…" It could bring some animation to the game, as a bucket could very well be thwarted if defensive players take the chance in these situations. Whether the NBA brings this change into the game or not is a completely different aspect, but James does make a good point. Is LeBron James staying with the Los Angeles Lakers next season? LeBron James has completed 22 seasons in the NBA, and with what fans have learned so far, he will be playing his 23rd season in the league as well. Whether he stays with the Los Angeles Lakers or shifts his allegiance elsewhere is the question in everyone's mind at the moment. The Lakers themselves are in for some big changes over the summer, as the Buss family is selling the LA team to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and co-owner of the Dodgers, for a staggering $10 billion. With that happening right now, whether LeBron James stays or goes will be something to witness in the near future. Also Read: 'Excited about the future'- LeBron James and Luka Dončić react to Los Angeles Lakers' potential $10 billion deal Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'A ring is a team accomplishment'- LeBron James goes down memory lane with the ring culture in NBA on Mind the Game
LeBron James via Getty Images NBA icon LeBron James needs no introduction globally, as apart from his great athletic prowess on the basketball stadium, the Los Angeles Lakers' star has a phenomenal brand value too. During a recent episode of the widely watched basketball podcast Mind the Game, LeBron James and Steve Nash discussed the ring culture in the NBA and even reflected on its origin in the basketball sport fraternity. Los Angeles Lakers' star LeBron James looks back at the ring culture in the NBA. In the recent episode of Mind the Game, LeBron James and Steve Nash spoke about the prevalence of ring culture in the NBA while responding to a question posted by a fan on X. A fan named Dustion Neilson's question about the popularity of the ring culture in the NBA compared than any other sport, the Los Angeles Lakers' star said- 'I wish we had a simple answer, man. Oh my goodness, I do not know the answer. I wish I had the answer to this, but I'm not sure, man. Um, it's funny. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know why it's discussed so much in our sport.' LeBron James & Steve Nash Answer Fans Burning Questions | MIND THE GAME While criticizing the ring culture in NBA, LeBron James mentioned- 'It's like you automatically dismiss people in their careers when you're just like, 'Oh, he didn't win a ring,' or 'He doesn't have a ring.' It's like, do you actually, have you actually sat down and actually, like, really looked at this guy's career and what he was able to accomplish, you know? You know, they, I mean Jerry West, I think, went to, like, nine straight NBA finals, right, and was only able to win one, and he's the logo of our league. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo ' LeBron James and Steve Nash even criticized the ring culture prevalent in the NBA. The rings clearly define the rich legacy of an NBA athlete. However, there have been multiple incredible players who have no rings to their name. LeBron James and Steve Nash even criticized the ring culture prevalent in the NBA. Also Read: LeBron James collaborates with RFK Racing Team to treat Akron student with great NASCAR experience Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
