The Los Angeles Lakers inched closer to a Western Conference semifinal berth following their thrilling 117-111 win in overtime in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. LeBron James led the way with 22 points and 20 rebounds and became the oldest player to score 20 points and grab 20 rebounds in a playoff, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain.
In the aftermath of the loss, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins called out his team, saying, “We’re far from where we need to be from a maturity standpoint. This is all experience that you can only gain from. So, nothing’s gonna change overnight, but when we wear it, and we understand the struggles we’re going through individually, collectively, on, off the court and all that stuff, and we sit down and we honestly talk about it, and we face it, you’re hopefully gonna turn the corner for sure.”
Jenkins’ statements didn’t sit right with Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving. He criticized the Grizzlies’ head coach on Twitter.
Irving tweeted, “Speaking about your team like this during a series is Immature, But what do I know. Lol I am @ home relaxing with my family.”
Speaking about your team like this during a series is Immature, But what do I know. Lol I am @ home relaxing with my family.
Hélà
🤞🏾♾
Irving’s response came out of the blue. Technically he was right. The Grizzlies can still overturn their two-game deficit and become only the 14th NBA team to overturn a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series with a win at home in Game 7. However, criticizing another team’s head coach for his rallying cry to his players while sitting at home wasn’t the best look. And fans on Twitter seconded that opinion.
Fans ridicule Kyrie Irving for trying to lecture Grizzlies HC Taylor Jenkins
Kyrie Irving’s response to Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins’ criticism of his team did not sit well with the fans. They went after the Mavericks star, bringing up his track record. Take a look at some of the fan reactions to Irving’s tweet below:
You Kylie understand that you are the professional poster child for immaturity. You should have been in Brooklyn or Dallas earning your check with your team as opposed to giving commentary from the “bench” at home. Think on that while you vacation
— Derric A. Gregory (@DAGregoryCPA) April 26, 2023You know a lot. You told a little innocent boy in Cleveland that you would return, but you crushed his heart. You said you plan to resign with the Celtics, but bailed out. You said you’ll never “leave my man #7 anywhere” and ditched him to go to Dallas. And now, to nobody’s…
— Ali 🦉 (@aadel2004) April 25, 2023That self awareness to know you are in fact not in the playoffs and also minding business that isn’t your own (the same thing you hate so much when it’s done to you) is the first step my brotha.
— Swish (@Swishcantmisss) April 25, 2023Kyrie, are you aware most of your political views overlap with wealthy white racists over the age of 70 in southern states? Do you feel good about that?
— LeBrad James (Cavs in 7) (@BBerbari_3K) April 25, 2023Respect Kyrie, but Coach gotta call it as he sees it. This isn’t even that big of a criticism regarding his team and Jenkins as been a great head coach for the team regardless.
— Noムh (@NoahGRFN) April 25, 2023Kyrie the example of maturity… abandoning the best friend and child team that were heading for the title
— sovinets (@bolchenets) April 25, 2023Biased media personality Kyrie twisting the story again to paint someone in a bad light
— Bald Skinner (@pRiMeTiMeSwIsH) April 25, 2023Ah yes, Kyrie is the king of maturity now..
— Salley Mitchell (@SalleyBMitchell) April 25, 2023I like how you abandoned this situation like you did your teams
— TheHighCapper💭 (@de_capper) April 25, 2023Quitting on your team multiple times in the playoffs is much worse
— Jaylen Tatum (@207CeltsFan) April 25, 2023I love Kyrie but damn man put the bottle down
— JT (@WembyAye) April 25, 2023I like how you added that last sentence. Took away all the ammo trolls was finna have 😭
— D-Free (@DFreeDBZHD) April 25, 2023Irving is undoubtedly watching the playoffs closely as he ponders upon his future. The superstar guard is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. There have been contradictory reports of Irving wanting to stay in Dallas and looking for options elsewhere. He could decide his future based on which team he fancies most. A slew of teams would be willing to add Irving to their roster in the offseason, but the decision ultimately rests on him.
Irving’s decision could propel a team from dark horses to contenders. The Mavericks had hoped that would be the case when they landed the superstar from the Nets. However, it had a reverse effect on their fortunes as they went from a lock to earn a playoff spot to missing it altogether. Still, Dallas will gladly re-sign him to a large extension and hope he can form a potent duo with Luka Doncic.
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