As far as new first impressions go, Kyrie Irving’s tops them all.
The All-NBA point guard, acquired in free agency during a hectic NBA offseason, scored 50 points in his debut with the Brooklyn Nets. Irving’s effort sets a new league record for most points scored in a debut with a new team.
| Kyrie Irving | 50 | Brooklyn Nets | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki Vandeweghe | 47 | Portland Trail Blazers | 1984 |
| Wilt Chamberlain | 43 | Philadelphia Warriors | 1959 |
| James Harden | 37 | Houston Rockets | 2012 |
| Charles Barkley | 37 | Phoenix Suns | 1992 |
| Orlando Woolridge | 37 | Denver Nuggets | 1990 |
Irving did it with his trademark toolbox of dribble moves, contorting drives and physics-defying finishes. His between-the-legs, step-back 3-pointer put the Nets up by three with 1:16 remaining before the Timberwolves forced overtime.
The only disappointment in his otherwise spectacular showing was his last shot — a spinning attempt that for degree-of-difficulty alone will earn plenty of play on highlight reels. The attempt itself, however, was off, allowing Minnesota to escape with the 127-126 win at Brooklyn.
Irving’s 50-point special ushers in a new era for the Nets, whose admirable rebuilding job peaked this summer with the free agent additions of Irving and Kevin Durant. With the latter out due to a torn Achilles suffered in the 2019 Finals, Irving will lead the team throughout 2019-20. His first attempt at doing so carved out a place in the record books, where he is now tied for fourth all-time in most points scored in a season opener.
