Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving 'grateful I got a chance to be out there with my brothers' after Barclays Center season debut

NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving made his home debut Sunday night during a 119-110 loss to the Charlotte Hornets — making it clear that he believes his presence on the floor represents something much larger than a basketball player.

«I was just trying to ground myself as much as possible today,» Irving said. «And just prepare for the warm reception from a lot of supporters of the organization, of me, just the journey thus far. So I don't take it for granted what happened tonight; it was historic. I'm grateful I got a chance to be out there with my brothers and just leave it all out there.»

Irving, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, had not been able to play at home all season because of New York City's private employer mandate. New York City Mayor Eric Adams rolled back that mandate last week for athletes and performers, allowing Irving to make his home debut on Sunday.

The 30-year-old former All-Star got a big ovation from the sold-out crowd, the largest in Barclays Center history at 18,166, after being introduced in the starting lineup. Just before tipoff, he walked to center court and pointed around the arena to acknowledge the reception he got from the Brooklyn fans.

«Tonight my presence out there was just bigger than the basketball game,» Irving said. «I was just representing a lot of individuals that are out there in a similar situation as me. And now that I can play, I think we should be opened up for everybody.»

Irving struggled to find a rhythm all night, finishing just 6-for-22 from the field in almost 41 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back. He had 16 points and 11 assists but was just 1-for-9 from beyond the arc.

«It was great to see him out there,» Nets star Kevin Durant said. «Good