Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Takes Jab at NYC Mayor Eric Adams While Responding to Nets Fan

The Dallas guard had quite the interaction with a Brooklyn fan during Tuesday’s game.

Kyrie Irving may be gone, but he hasn’t been forgotten by Brooklyn Nets fans. Irving sent a reminder of sorts about the “what if” that will always linger following the separation of Brooklyn’s former big three when the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Nets 119–107 on Tuesday. He also had a quick jab for New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

While preparing to inbound the ball, a fan was recorded asking Irving why he didn’t “play like this” when on the Nets. Irving responded by telling the fan exactly who he could blame for it.

“Thank Mayor [Eric] Adams for that, bro,” Irving said to the fan.

Nets fan: "Kyrie why don't play like this when you were on the Nets? Why Kai?"

Irving: "Thank Mayor [Eric] Adams for that, bro."

(Via @Courtsidenets / h/t @ClutchPoints )

pic.twitter.com/DgSJJbVlrI

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 7, 2024

Adams was in charge during part of Irving’s tenure with the Nets and specifically during a few key pivotal decisions related to COVID and restrictions in New York City. But the initial issue that loomed over the guard’s time with the team came in the form of a COVID vaccine mandate for private sector employees.

This allowed only those with at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter indoor establishments (such as gyms or arenas) but was put in place by the previous mayor, Bill de Blasio. The mandate meant Irving could not participate in Brooklyn’s home games during the 2021-22 season.

As far as the history between Irving and Adams goes, the latter took a parting shot at the guard following his trade to Dallas, as Spectrum News NY1 previously detailed.

“I will find the team that beats us the most and then send him to that team because we would start beating that team,” Adams said. “No matter how much talent you have, your ability to interact with your colleagues is more important.”

Irving led all scorers in the game with 36 points while knocking down 15-of-24 attempts from the field and 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also dished out five assists with two steals and two rebounds over 40 minutes.