Unvaccinated Irving scores 22 in season debut as Nets beat Pacers 129-121

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Kyrie Irving scored 22 points in his season debut as Brooklyn Nets beat Indiana Pacers 129-121 late Wednesday.

Irving finished with 22 points and four assists, while Kevin Durant added 39 points to lead the Nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana.

The 29-year-old Irving was not eligible to play in Brooklyn since he refused to be vaccinated for coronavirus and failed to meet New York City’s vaccination requirements.

NBA players must be vaccinated to take place on the courts in New York and San Francisco, and Canada's Toronto.

In December, the Nets decided to bring Irving back as a "part-time player" at least for the away games.

Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the Pacers, who lost their sixth straight game.

Lance Stephenson also scored 30 points for the losing side.

Brooklyn are second in the Eastern Conference standings with 24 wins and 12 defeats this season.

Results:

Charlotte Hornets - Detroit Pistons: 140-111

Orlando Magic - Philadelphia 76ers: 106-116

Washington Wizards - Houston Rockets: 111-114

Boston Celtics - San Antonio Spurs: 97-99

Indiana Pacers - Brooklyn Nets: 121-129

Dallas Mavericks - Golden State Warriors: 99-82

Milwaukee Bucks - Toronto Raptors: 111-117

Minnesota Timberwolves - Oklahoma City Thunder: 98-90

Denver Nuggets - Utah Jazz: 109-115

Portland Trail Blazers - Miami Heat: 109-115

Sacramento Kings - Atlanta Hawks: 102-108