Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving started Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies, officially bringing an end to his team-issued suspension.
He played 26 minutes in Brooklyn's 127-115 victory, posting 14 points, five rebounds, one steal, and a block in his return. It's the first time the 30-year-old recorded zero assists since March 15, 2021, in a late regular-season win over the Chicago Bulls.
Irving successfully completed a team-issued list of tasks before the Nets reinstated him ahead of Sunday's game, according to TNT's Chris Haynes.
The tasks reportedly included a meeting with representatives from the Anti-Defamation League as well as Jewish community leaders in Brooklyn.
Following the win, Irving said he "never had a doubt" that he'd play for the Nets again, according to Matt Brooks of NetsDaily.
Since his suspension, the 2011 No. 1 pick has apologized for sharing a link to a movie that contained antisemitic tropes and condemned the film's content. Both were also among the reported requirements mandated by the Nets prior to his return.
"Kyrie took ownership of his journey and had conversations with several members of the Jewish community," the Nets said in a statement obtained by ESPN's Nick Friedell. "We are pleased that he is going about the process in a meaningful way."
Brooklyn suspended the seven-time All-Star for a minimum of five games after he failed to disavow antisemitism. Irving spoke Saturday for the first time since his tense media session that led to the suspension, explaining why he initially refused to repudiate antisemitism or offer an apology.
"I felt like I was protecting my character, and I reacted out of pure defense," he said. "I was just hurt that I could be labeled, or I thought that I was being labeled, as antisemitic or anti-Jewish. And I felt like that was just so disrespectful to ask me whether or not I was antisemitic or not."
Irving entered Sunday averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 boards, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals over eight appearances this season. Brooklyn went 5-3 during his eight-game absence.
