No Kyrie Irving, no Ben Simmons, no problem for the Brooklyn Nets.
With Irving serving the first game of his suspension Friday night, the Nets passed the Washington Wizards, 128-86.
The 42-point margin of victory is easily a season-high for the Nets, as the 128 points scored and 86 points allowed were both season bests.
This looks like a case of addition by subtraction, as the visiting Nets (3-6) outscored the Wizards 59-29 in the second half. Kevin Durant scored 28 points and six other players scored in double figures.
The Nets suspended Irving Thursday for at least five games for “failure to disavow antisemitism.” Irving has been embroiled in controversy in recent days after sharing a social media post for a film widely regarded as antisemitic. He then refused to remove the post, and refused several opportunities to apologize, culminating in an embarrassing media conference Thursday that the Nets say forced their hand.
Although Irving finally issued an apology Thursday night, the hits against him keep coming. Friday night, Nike announced it is suspending its relationship with the controversial player.
Simmons hasn’t played since Saturday, as he deals with an injured left knee. Nets acting head coach Jacque Vaughn said Friday that Simmons underwent an MRI and the results came back clean, but he is still expected to miss Saturday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.
NBA fans shared their excitement on Twitter, while others wondered how this happened.
Just back from dinner and checking the scores tonight.
Oh, the Wizards lost by 42 – at home! – to the Nets who were playing without Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons or a coach.
And it's only November.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_Puck) November 5, 2022
All I can say is wow. This is a deviation from how this Nets team played in each of the opening eight games of the season.
Brooklyn has run up a 30-point lead over the Wizards. This is Nets basketball. This is fun.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) November 5, 2022
https://twitter.com/AW_nyc/status/1588695844777181184
Not having someone who just makes everyone else miserable gone helps
— Shaun B. (Starlight City Ent.) 🇧🇧🇧🇲 (@blackmetronome) November 5, 2022
Listen, it was really nice to give the son of the Wizards’ best all time player a chance to be the coach but losing to a bad Nets team with no Kyrie by 42 points is outrageous @WashWizards https://t.co/cNg6AYWCd0
— Andrew Addison, Esq. (@TheAndrewSystem) November 5, 2022
I can’t believe the Washington Wizards let the Brooklyn Nets use their space as a practice gym https://t.co/nmuUy4F5M9
— Max (@phillzcoffee) November 5, 2022
The Nets have struggled against every team this season. In the midst of an insane amount of drama and they demolish the Wizards. Im sick of it
— Dialante (@Deetalksalot) November 5, 2022
The Nets will be in action again on Saturday night, taking on the Charlotte Hornets in a road game.
