Kyrie Irvin
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Kyrie Irving struck a chord with fans with his comments about taking over the city. The New York Knicks don’t seem as concerned.

Geoffrey Campbell

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, despite the backlash from New York Knicks fans regarding Kyrie Irving’s “take over the city” comments, players were not as offended by the jab.

Allonzo Trier responded to reports that Irving was trying to throw shade at the Knicks.

“He didn’t say that. If you read his comment, it was not what he was trying to say. That’s not what he was trying to say. It wasn’t about the Knicks. It wasn’t about anything like that.’’

Trier appeared to take issue with the idea that Irving’s comments were being taken out of context. Trier also added that he and the Brooklyn guard are close friends and that Irving is a “great guy”.

Trier’s response came on the heels of a 113-109 loss that featured Irving pouring in 26 points, including the game-clinching step-back three right in front of Knicks rookie RJ Barrett. After the game, Irving clarified his comments.

“Now that [the Nets] are in Brooklyn, now it’s like a battle for who runs New York City,’’ Irving said. “It’s a good team down there in New York City, Manhattan. … I think it’s more or less the perspective of the fans that really build that up than the players. We all have mutual respect, but obviously, when they’re both in New York, I guess it’s like, it’s supposed to be like a rivalry atmosphere. I think the Nets are happy to be in Brooklyn. It makes it a lot more fun. Go out there, hear the boos, see the Knicks fans out there. It’s all good.’’

For now, Irving and the Nets certainly have a head start. These teams will face off again at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 24. One thing is for sure, this won’t be the last time there are some back-and-forth comments in the media.

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