CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kevin Durant simply began clapping when asked about teammate Kyrie Irving’s 50-point performance Tuesday night.
“That was master class,” Durant said.
Irving hit nine 3-pointers and the Brooklyn Nets snapped a four-game skid with a 132-121 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Irving became one of 22 players in NBA history with five 50-point games, according to Basketball Reference. His career high is 57 points on March, 12, 2015, while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in an overtime win against San Antonio.
“Younger players should watch this game and learn what it takes to score at that level,” Durant said.
Durant had a quiet night by his lofty standards, finishing with 14 points.
But he didn’t have to do much lifting with Irving taking control most of the game.
Irving, who has only been allowed to play in away games due to COVID-19 protocols in New York, finished 15 of 19 from the field and 9 of 12 from beyond the arc. He also was 11 of 13 from the line.
He became only the second guard in NBA history to have multiple 50-point games while shooting 75% from the floor, according to Stats. The other is Michael Jordan.
Durant said Irving had “that look in his eye” before the game, and the former Duke point guard agreed.