Allonzo Trier said Kyrie Irving’s remark about “we’re going to take over the whole entire city’’ was misinterpreted and not a slight at the Knicks.
The Knicks second-year guard refuted a question on if there’s any motivation about Irving’s alleged challenge that his Nets’ squad is geared up to conquer New York.
“He didn’t say that,’’ Trier said, after Irving’s dagger 3-pointer with 22 seconds left gave Brooklyn a 113-109 triumph over the Knicks at Barclays Center on Friday. “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.
“I didn’t take anything personally,’’ Trier added. “Kyrie is a really good friend of mine. We spent a lot of time [together] in the summer. Great guy.’’
It is understandable if Trier is confused about the remark’s literal intent. Trier hails from Seattle and might not understand New York’s geographical lines. Brooklyn is not a city but a borough of New York City — which includes Manhattan, where the Knicks play.
After the win, Irving sounded like he was referring to taking ownership of New York City from the Knicks. But Irving has had his geographical issues before, when he stated in 2018 the Earth really is flat.
“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 a 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.’’
Indeed, Irving, on one occasion, heard boos as he shot free throws in the first half.
Trier, in a backcourt tandem with rookie RJ Barrett, had a strong game with a team-high 22 points, making 6 of 7 shots, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range and 7 of 11 free throws. Trier is struggling with his definitive role, as are others. He started the season opener, played the first six minutes then was not heard from again.
The Post reported Trier had been concerned with his minutes after the first three preseason games.
“It’s your job,’’ Trier said. “Produce whatever role we’re in. I’m still finding my way. We’ve been together 15, 20 days. We are still getting used to each other. Just trying to find my way, just like we are as a team.”
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