Kyrie Irving's apology is a "step in the right direction" but he must do more to prove his contrition, according to Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks.

The NBA star was suspended indefinitely by the Nets in light of his initial unapologetic response to widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing an antisemitic film.

Irving belatedly issued an apology after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had expressed his disappointment at the lack of one, and the Nets had responded later on Thursday with a press statement confirming the player would be suspended for a minimum of five games with no pay, adding he is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets".

Around four hours after that announcement, the seven-time All-Star posted an apology on Instagram: "To all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected from my post."

Speaking to reporters about the situation on Friday, Marks said: "I think after anything like this, you would always hope that there's a change in feelings, a change in attitude. And you know, I think per his apology last night, that's a step in the right direction.

"But again, as we've sort of stated, actions speak louder than words and so he's had some time and there'll be some more time to reflect on this.

"The apology is a step in the right direction [but] that's certainly not enough."

In terms of further steps expected of Irving, Marks elaborated: "There is going to be some remedial steps and measures that have been put in place for him to obviously seek some counselling, designated by the team from dealing with some anti-hate and some Jewish leaders within our community.

"He's gonna have to sit down with them, he's gonna have to sit down with the organisation after this and and we'll evaluate and see if this is the right opportunity to bring him back."

When asked if the Nets had considered waiving or releasing Irving, Marks said: "No, not at this particular time."

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant said the Kyrie Irving situation "sucks all around for everybody", but is hoping all involved can soon move on.

Irving was suspended for a minimum of five games by the Nets on Thursday, in light of his unapologetic response to the widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing a film that Nets owner Joe Tsai said was "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

On Wednesday, the Nets and Irving each donated $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities, but after the 30-year-old stopped short of apologising during a media session on Thursday, Brooklyn suspended the former Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers guard.

For his part, Durant suggested he did not feel the situation had been handled well, labelling it "unnecessary".

"I ain't hear to judge nobody or talk down on nobody for how they feel, their views or anything, I just didn’t like anything that went on," said Durant.

"I feel like it was all unnecessary. I felt like we could have just kept playing basketball and kept quiet as an organisation. I just don't like none of it.

"It's an unfortunate situation for people that are impacted by this situation. It just sucks all around for everybody. Hopefully we can move past it.

"That's just the way of the NBA now. Media, so many outlets now and their stories hit pretty fast now. That's where all the chaos is coming from, from everybody's opinions. Everybody has an opinion on this situation and we're hearing it nonstop.

"But once the balls start bouncing and we get into practice none of that stuff seeps into the gym. So that's the cool part about being in the league.

"But once you step off the court, everyone got the microphones out and the microscopes looking at you asking you what you feel about it. That's been difficult. But the game is the constant for us."

Durant subsequently tweeted to clarify that his comments in Thursday's media gathering were in no way an endorsement of Irving's actions.

"Just wanna clarify the statements I made at shootaround, I see some people are confused," Durant tweeted.

"I don't condone hate speech or anti-semetism [sic], I'm about spreading love always. Our game unites people and I wanna make sure that's at the forefront."

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has asked people to be "more vigilant" with what they say and promote on social media amid Kyrie Irving's NBA expulsion.

Brooklyn Nets point guard Irving has been suspended for five weeks without pay after refusing to apologise for a post franchiser owner Joe Tsai described as being "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

Though Irving has subsequently issued a belated apology following news of his ban, Warriors boss Kerr still feels there needs to be a wider conversation around the consequences of such language.

"Words matter," he stated. "Words really, really matter. In modern society with social media, the way things can fan across the globe exponentially and get five million hits immediately, every comment matters.

"Everything you say matters. We have to be more vigilant as a society. We can't be just accepting comments that are so destructive and insulting to people.

"It's crucial that everybody, whether you're a professional athlete or not, it's crucial that everybody thinks before they just throw stuff out there that can be so damaging."

Irving is set to miss away trips to the Wizards, the Hornets, the Mavericks and the Clippers plus a lone home match versus the Knicks before he is considered for a return to the roster.

The Warriors next face the Pelicans after a narrow 130-129 loss to the Magic.

Kyrie Irving has belatedly issued an apology following the Brooklyn Nets' decision to suspend him indefinitely for his repeated failure to "unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs".

Irving declined to apologise for last week's social media post about a book and movie with alleged antisemitic tropes, nor answer explicity when asked if he was antisemitic during a Thursday press conference.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had expressed his disappointment on Thursday that Irving had "not offered an unqualified apology".

The franchise responded later on Thursday with a press statement confirming Irving would be suspended for a minimum of five games with no pay, adding he is "currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets".

Approximately four hours following that announcement, the seven-time All-Star posted an apology on Instagram.

"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize," Irving wrote.

"I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary.

"I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti-semticism [sic] by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with.

"I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all.

"I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am."

Kyrie Irving has been suspended indefinitely by the Brooklyn Nets, but for a minimum of five games, in light of the All-Star's unapologetic response to the widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing an antisemitic film.

Irving spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since a controversial press conference on Saturday after last week sharing a social media post about a book and film leading to condemnation, including from the franchise owner Joe Tsai who said it was "full of antisemitic disinformation".

The 2016 NBA champion on Thursday stopped short of apologising for the social media post, instead speaking with ambiguity when directly asked if he had any antisemitic beliefs.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was disappointed Irving had "not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post.

Irving and the Nets had on Wednesday each donated $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.

But after Thursday's press conference, the Nets moved to suspend Irving for a minimum of five games and without pay, having been left "dismayed" by his latest comments.

"Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the Nets said in the statement.

"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity - but failed - to clarify.

"Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team.

"Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

Irving had said he had take responsibility for sharing the social media post, that has since been deleted, but ultimately stood his ground again.

"I didn't mean to cause any harm," Irving said. "I'm not the one that made the documentary.

"Again, I'm going to repeat. I don't know how the label becomes justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over again but this is not going to turn into a spin-around cycle - questions upon questions.

"I told you guys how I felt. I respect all walks of life and embrace all walks of life. That's where I sit... I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from."

Kyrie Irving has been suspended indefinitely by the Brooklyn Nets, but for a minimum of five games, in light of the All-Star's unapologetic response to the widespread backlash for allegedly endorsing an antisemitic film.

Irving spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since a controversial press conference on Saturday after last week sharing a social media post about a book and film leading to condemnation, including from the franchise owner Joe Tsai who said it was "full of antisemitic disinformation".

The 2016 NBA champion on Thursday stopped short of apologising for the social media post, instead speaking with ambiguity when directly asked if he had any antisemitic beliefs.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was disappointed Irving had "not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post.

Irving and the Nets had on Wednesday each donated $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.

But after Thursday's press conference, the Nets moved to suspend Irving for a minimum of five games and without pay, having been left "dismayed" by his latest comments.

"Over the last several days, we have made repeated attempts to work with Kyrie Irving to help him understand the harm and danger of his words and actions, which began with him publicizing a film containing deeply disturbing antisemitic hate," the Nets said in the statement.

"We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity - but failed - to clarify.

"Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team.

"Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets."

Irving had said he had take responsibility for sharing the social media post, that has since been deleted, but ultimately stood his ground again.

"I didn't mean to cause any harm," Irving said. "I'm not the one that made the documentary.

"Again, I'm going to repeat. I don't know how the label becomes justified because you guys ask me the same questions over and over again but this is not going to turn into a spin-around cycle - questions upon questions.

"I told you guys how I felt. I respect all walks of life and embrace all walks of life. That's where I sit... I cannot be antisemitic if I know where I come from."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he is disappointed that Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving "has not offered an unqualified apology" for his "reckless" social media post.

Irving sparked outrage by tweeting a link to a film that contains antisemitic material last Thursday.

Both Irving and the Nets on Wednesday said they would each make donations of $500,000 after the seven-time All-Star posted a link to controversial film 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America'.

That money will go towards causes and organisations "that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities."

Silver said in a statement on Thursday: "While we appreciate the fact that he [Irving] agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicise."

NBA boss Silver added that he will be meeting with Irving in person next week to discuss the situation. 

Irving said last weekend he would not "stand down" and pointed to the "historical complexities" of African heritage in America, but he subsequently deleted the social media post that sparked the uproar. 

In Wednesday’s joint-statement from Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League, Irving said: "I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalised and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility. 

"I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light."

Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each make donations of $500,000 in the wake of a social media post from the seven-time NBA All-Star that sparked outrage.

Irving tweeted a link to controversial film 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' last Thursday.

Nets owner Joe Tsai condemned the star guard for promoting a film he alleged to be "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

Irving said last weekend he would not "stand down" and pointed to the "historical complexities" of African heritage in America, but he subsequently deleted the social media post that sparked the uproar.

A number of fans wore 'Fight Antisemitism' T-shirts, with the 30-year-old facing a furious backlash.

Irving and the Nets have decided to donate $1million between them towards causes and organisations "that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities."

A joint-statement from Irving, the Nets and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said: "The events of the past week have sparked many emotions within the Nets organisation, our Brooklyn community, and the nation.

"The public discourse that followed has brought greater awareness to the challenges we face as a society when it comes to combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take on this challenge and we recognise that this is a unique moment to make a lasting impact.

"To promote education within our community, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will each donate $500,000 towards causes and organisations that work to eradicate hate and intolerance in our communities.

"The Nets and Kyrie Irving will work with ADL (the Anti-Defamation League), a non-profit organisation devoted to fighting antisemitism and all types of hate that undermine justice and fair treatment for every individual. This is an effort to develop educational programming that is inclusive and will comprehensively combat all forms of antisemitism and bigotry."

Irving said: "I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and stand strong with communities that are marginalised and impacted every day. I am aware of the negative impact of my post towards the Jewish community and I take responsibility.

"I do not believe everything said in the documentary was true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being learning from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So from my family and I, we meant no harm to any one group, race or religion of people, and wish to only be a beacon of truth and light.”

ADL chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt said: "At a time when antisemitism has reached historic levels, we know the best way to fight the oldest hatred is to both confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds. With this partnership, ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and increase understanding.

"At the same time, we will maintain our vigilance and call out the use of anti-Jewish stereotypes and tropes – whatever, whoever, or wherever the source – as we work toward a world without hate."

Kevin Durant reportedly pushed for Steve Nash's removal as Brooklyn Nets head coach in the off-season but says he was "shocked" when he found out about his firing on Tuesday.

The Nets confirmed on Tuesday they had mutually agreed to part ways after a 2-5 start to the season, made worse by the 108-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls later that day.

It was widely reported Durant had issued Nets owner Joe Tsai with an ultimatum in an unsettled off-season at the Barclays Center, either trade him or fire Nash and general manager Sean Marks.

Yet Durant, who said he learned the news of Nash's firing on ESPN after waking up from a nap on Tuesday, insisted he was taken aback when he found out and shrugged off questions about whether he was consulted.

"You're always shocked when a move like this happens, but it's normal in the NBA," Durant told reporters after Tuesday's loss.

"You've got practice, games coming up, so you can't think too much about it. It was on my mind for a little bit today."

Nash had taken over at the Nets in September 2020, taking the side to the Conference Semifinals in 2020-21 with their 'big three' of Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.

But the Nets struggled in 2021-22 and swept out of the playoffs in the first round by the Boston Celtics, amid a difficult season that saw Irving largely ineligible due to his vaccination status and Harden traded.

"Let's be real, we're pros, we're veterans," Durant added. "We had a tough start. It was a rocky year last year, rocky summer. We knew that everybody was being evaluated.

"That's just how it is in the league. So I liked working with Steve. I like working with the coaching staff. It was a roller coaster the last few years, but the core of it - basketball - is something we all love to do. Regardless of who the coach [is], regardless of the circumstances, you still got to come to work. I enjoyed coming to work with Steve."

Nash's firing comes in the midst of the franchise's latest off-court issue surrounding Irving facing widespread backlash for sharing a film on social media with alleged anti-Semitic connotations.

Durant insisted that there was not too much volatility around the Nets.

"That's the NBA," Durant said. "Everybody's got volatility if you want to look at it.

"It's just a matter of - outside people might look at what we do as bigger than what it is, but we come to work every single day.

"Guys have asked for trades before, coaches get fired, we have disagreements in our locker room, it happens in the NBA. But at the end of the day we all came to work. It just didn't work out on the floor."

The Brooklyn Nets started life after Steve Nash with a 108-99 defeat to the Miami Heat as under-fire Kyrie Irving struggled with four points on two-of-12 shooting on Tuesday.

The Nets announced earlier on Tuesday that Nash had been fired following their 2-5 start to the season, with assistant coach Jacque Vaughn taking charge in his absence.

Kevin Durant scored 32 points with nine rebounds for the Nets who led 58-52 at half-time before the Bulls charged home in the fourth quarter, led by Zach LaVine who had 20 of his 29 points in the final period.

LaVine top scored for the Bulls, including five-of-11 three-point shooting with four rebounds and five assists, while DeMar DeRozan added 20 points and center Nikola Vucevic hauled down 15 rebounds.

Irving, who has faced widespread backlash for sharing a film on social media with alleged anti-Semitic connotations, battled throughout with three turnovers while making none of his six three-point attempts.

The win improved the Bulls to 4-4, while the Nets fall to 2-6, with a 2-4 record at Barclays Center this season.

Golden State's road struggles continue

Reigning champions, the Golden State Warriors, slumped to their third straight defeat as Jimmy Butler fired late to lift the Miami Heat to a 116-109 win.

Butler, who finished with 23 points with six rebounds and eight assists, scored five straight points down the stretch to give the Heat the lead which they never surrendered.

Kyle Lowry moved past Jason Kidd into 12th on the all-time NBA three-pointers made list, scoring three triples in his 13 points.

Stephen Curry recorded his 10th regular-season triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists, but he could not prevent the Warriors' road woes (0-4) continuing, dropped to 3-5 overall.

Johnson shines as Suns burn

Cam Johnson drained seven three-pointers as the Phoenix Suns maintained their perfect home record this season and moved to 6-1 overall with a 116-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Johnson finished with 29 points, 21 coming from beyond the arc on seven-of-11 three-point shooting, while Devin Booker took a back seat with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Chris Paul had 14 points, 12 assists and a team-high eight rebounds for the Suns who clinched their fifth straight win. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards both had 24 points for the Timberwolves.

Ime Udoka is the frontrunner to replace Steve Nash as the Brooklyn Nets head coach, according to reports.

The Nets parted with Nash on Tuesday after five defeats from their opening seven games of the season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Nets and Nash came to a mutual decision to part ways, a day after Brooklyn had snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the Indiana Pacers.

Wojnarowski subsequently claimed Udoka, who was previously part of Nash's staff in Brooklyn before he led the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, is the Nets' top target and a deal could be struck by Thursday.

Udoka was suspended by the Celtics in September for an "improper" consensual relationship with a female staff member.

Should Udoka take the job, he will inherit a team packed with talent, though Nash had to deal with plenty of contentious issues during his two-year stint as Brooklyn coach.

Much of the controversy surrounded Kyrie Irving, whose refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 meant he was unable to play in cities with vaccine mandates, including New York, in Nash's second season.

This campaign, Irving has been heavily criticised for his promotion of a documentary, which – according to Nets owner Joe Tsai – is "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

The Brooklyn Nets have parted company with head coach Steve Nash.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Nets and Nash came to a mutual decision to part ways after a disappointing start to the 2022-23 season.

The Nets have won just two of their opening seven games, though they did beat the Indiana Pacers 116-109 on Monday.

Jacque Vaughn will be the Nets' acting head coach for Tuesday's game with the Chicago Bulls.

"We want to thank Steve for everything he brought to our franchise over the past two-plus seasons," said general manager Sean Marks.

"Since becoming head coach, Steve was faced with a number of unprecedented challenges, and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership, patience and humility throughout his tenure.

"Personally, this was an immensely difficult decision; however, after much deliberation and evaluation of how the season has begun, we agreed that a change is necessary at this time. We wish Steve, Lilla and their family all the best in the future."

A two-time MVP as a player and former consultant for the Golden State Warriors during two of their championship-winning seasons in 2017 and 2018, Nash took charge of the Nets in 2020.

He led them to the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2020-21, losing a seven-game series to eventual champions the Milwaukee Bucks.

A tumultuous 2021-22 campaign that saw James Harden traded to the Philadelphia 76ers ended with the Nets losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics in a sweep.

Despite having the chance to coach stars including Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during his Nets tenure, Nash has had to navigate much controversy, predominantly surrounding Irving.

Irving's refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and his inability to play in cities with vaccine mandates, including New York, complicated Nash's second season in charge.

This season, Irving has attracted significant criticism and was condemned by Nets owner Joe Tsai for his promotion of a documentary film said to be "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

Nash had said he hoped the Nets could "grow through this together", but they will now tackle this latest saga surrounding their star guard without him.

He leaves the Nets with a 94-67 regular-season record.

"Thank you, Brooklyn," Nash said in a statement on Twitter.

"A very heartfelt thanks to Joe and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets. It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I'm incredibly grateful for.

"It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team and front office everyday. I'm especially grateful to my coaching staff and video room who are a talented group with so much character and professionalism.

"Lastly, thanks to Brooklyn and the passionate fans who support this team. Family first and my family has found a home here and LOVES being a part of this beautiful community.

"I wish the Nets all the success in the world and the Nash's will be rooting for our team as they turn this season around."

Steve Nash said the Brooklyn Nets should look to "grow through this together" after a number of fans wore 'Fight Antisemitism' T-shirts in protest against Kyrie Irving's recent highlighting of a controversial film.

The 30-year-old Irving tweeted a link to 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' last Thursday, with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai condemning Irving for promoting the documentary film. Tsai alleged the film was "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

The Nets and NBA released strong statements refusing to tolerate "hate speech", while coach Nash said the star guard had been spoken to prior to Saturday's 125-116 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

Irving said at the weekend he would not "stand down" and pointed to the "historical complexities" of African heritage in America, but he subsequently deleted the social media post that sparked the uproar.

Nash spoke again on the matter after Monday's 116-109 win against the Pacers, which saw a group of seven Nets fans conspicuous at courtside in the protest T-shirts.

They were Orthodox Jews, the New York Post reported, quoting one of the fans, Aaron Jungreis, as saying the Nets "should not keep a guy like that around", with regard to Irving. The fan also told the newspaper the Nets should "have to discipline him in some way".

Looking at how Irving has handled the episode, Nash said: "That's an ongoing conversation. I haven't been a part of those internal talks, to be honest. I've been coaching, preparing the team. But I know they're looking at that constantly."

Erasing the controversial social media content appears to have been taken as a positive step, with Nash saying that "certainly helps".

The Nets coach added: "I just hope that we all grow through this together. There's always an opportunity for us to grow and understand new perspectives.

"I think the organisation is trying to take that stance that we communicate through this and all come out in a better position with more understanding and wanting to have empathy for every side of this debate and situation."

Irving last week wrote on Twitter: "I am an OMNIST and I meant no disrespect to anyone's religious beliefs. The 'Anti-Semitic' label that is being pushed on me is not justified and does not reflect the reality or truth I live in everyday. I embrace and want to learn from all walks of life and religions."

Big performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez carried the Milwaukee Bucks to a 110-108 victory against the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

With their win, the Bucks are now 6-0, and the NBA's last remaining unbeaten team.

Two-time MVP Antetokounmpo led the way with a game-high 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting, and he delivered in an important stretch of the game.

After the Bucks came out of halftime with a 60-52 lead, the Pistons got on a quick run, cutting the margin to one at 62-61, before Antetokounmpo scored his team's first 10 points of the third quarter to steady the ship.

He was supported well by Holiday, who scored 25 points with an efficient long-range shooting performance, finishing seven-of-15 from the field while hitting five of his 11 three-point attempts. He also added 10 assists and seven rebounds

Meanwhile, Lopez was a force in the middle of the paint, scoring 26 points (10-of-16) with nine rebounds and two blocks.

For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham was excellent with 27 points (11-of-23), seven assists and six rebounds, while the fifth overall pick from this year's NBA Draft, Jaden Ivey, had seven of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to make it a game down the stretch.

Harden narrowly misses career-high 

James Harden was one assist shy of his career-high as he dished out 17 in the Philadelphia 76ers' 118-111 win over the Washington Wizards.

His 17 assists matched his regular-season high, becoming the 10th time he has reached that figure, while he had 18 assists in a playoff game for the Brooklyn Nets against the Boston Celtics in the first round of 2021.

Against the Wizards, Harden also added 23 points (eight-of-17 shooting) and seven rebounds, with Tyrese Maxey finishing as their top-scorer with 28 on 12-of-22 shooting.

Washington's Kristaps Porzingis was the game's highest scorer with 32 points (10-of-17), nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Durant and the Nets get back in the win column

The Brooklyn Nets snapped a four-game losing streak when they defeated the Indiana Pacers 116-109.

Superstar duo Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving led the way as Ben Simmons missed the game with swelling in his knee.

Durant finished with a game-high 36 points on 13-of-22 shooting, while adding nine rebounds and seven assists. Irving was not far behind, posting 28 points (nine-of-19) with six rebounds, six assists and four steals.

Second-year wing Chris Duarte was impressive for the Pacers, scoring 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting, hitting five-of-10 from long range.

Kyrie Irving says he will not "stand down" for what he believes in after facing widespread backlash for sharing a film on social media with alleged anti-Semitic connotations.

The 30-year-old tweeted a link to 'Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America' on Thursday, with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai condemning Irving for promoting a film "full of anti-Semitic disinformation".

The Nets and NBA both released strong statements refusing to tolerate "hate speech", while coach Steve Nash said the star guard had been spoken to prior to Saturday's 125-116 loss to the Indiana Pacers.

However, speaking after the game against the Pacers at Barclays Center, Irving suggested he had not done anything wrong and would continue to speak with freedom.

"I'm not here to argue over a person or a culture or a religion and what they believe," Irving said. "Nah, this is what's here. It's on a public platform.

"Did I do anything illegal? Did I hurt anybody? Did I harm anybody? Am I going out and saying that I hate one specific group of people?

"So out of all the judgement that people got for me posting, without talking to me, and then I respect what Joe [Tsai] said, but there has a lot to do with not ego or pride of how proud I am to be [of] African heritage, but also to be living as a free black man here in America, knowing the historical complexities for me to get here.

"So I'm not going to stand down on anything that I believe in. I'm only going to get stronger because I'm not alone. I have a whole army around me."

Irving had earlier defended his actions on Twitter, where his shared post still remains, stating the "anti-Semitic label" on him was "not justified", nor did he intend to disrespect "anyone's beliefs".

The Nets fell to a fourth straight loss of the season against the Pacers, though Nash does not believe the Irving situation influenced Brooklyn's performance.

"I don't think our group is overly affected by the situation," Nash said. "We've had so many situations over the last one or two years that I think we've kind of built an immunity to some of it.

"I also think our guys aren't that familiar with the material."

Star Nets forward Kevin Durant echoed Nash's comments, suggesting Brooklyn would pay no attention to those outside of the locker room.

"Absolutely not," Durant responded when asked if the furore had impacted his side. "The only impact is you guys and everybody outside the locker room."