ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — For the second night in a row, an NBA player scored 60 points in a game. And for the first time in nearly two decades, someone scored 40 points in the first half of a game.
Kyrie Irving set the best mark of his career and by a Nets player in history, scoring 60 points as Brooklyn humbled the Orlando Magic 150-108 on Tuesday night.
“This just goes to show that we’re on our way to making history,” the point guard boasted.
Irving was 20 of 31 shots, including 8 of 12 from 3-point range, in 35 minutes. He made 12 of 13 free throws and tied the most by an NBA player this season.
That figure was set only a night before, by Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns in a game against San Antonio.
“One night after Karl Towns had an incredible performance we have seen Kyrie do the same. The league is an amazing place right now,” Irving’s teammate Kevin Durant said. “We’re seeing a lot of talent on display every night, and this one was truly elite.”
Irving scored 41 points in the first half. This is the most through the first two quarters since Kobe Bryant had 42 points in a game against Washington on March 28, 2003.
The point guard left the game after hitting a long 3-pointer with 8:33 remaining. Brooklyn then led 128-94.
Thus, two Nets players contributed at least 50 points in consecutive games. On Sunday, Durant had 53 against the New York Knicks.
A similar feat had never been recorded by teammates.
“Just what matters is the team, really. You just have to keep up the pace,” Irving said. “That is the pure essence of this sport, to do things effectively on both ends of the floor and come out on top.”
Durant added 19 points Tuesday as the Nets posted their fourth win.
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