Kyrie Irving lifts Nets past Hornets to get back on winning track

Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
Dec 7, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket as Charlotte Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) and center Mason Plumlee (24) defend during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving delivered the big blows for the Brooklyn Nets to hold off the Charlotte Hornets, 122-116, Wednesday night at Barclays Center for their seventh win in their last eight home games.

Irving scored the final four of his game-high 33 points in the last 44.3 seconds after the Hornets cut the Nets’ lead to two, 118-116. He added a season-high nine assists, with his last setting up Kevin Durant for a three-pointer that gave them a 118-114 cushion.

Durant finished with 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as Brooklyn continued its ascent in the Eastern Conference.

They’re now sitting at the fourth spot with a 14-12 record after a 2-7 start.

It was their fifth win in their last six games, losing only to the Boston Celtics last Sunday during this stretch.

With Ben Simmons set to return on Friday, Brooklyn will be looking to continue rolling against the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

The Hawks lost to New York Knicks on Wednesday night, with Dejounte Murray exiting with an ankle injury.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

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