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[Saba Sports News] Kyrie Irving is no longer staying silent about the constant online ridicule directed at Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns, now with the New York Knicks, has been a frequent target on social media—mocked for his shifting vocal tone and what some fans call a “zesty” personality.
Despite putting together a strong first season in New York, Towns continued to be the butt of jokes during the playoffs, with even some Knicks fans joining in. Irving, clearly fed up, addressed the hate during a recent Twitch livestream.
“Y’all gotta stop making fun of my brother KAT,” the Dallas Mavericks star said. “I’m done with y’all. It’s over now. It’s a f—ing wrap. Repost that s–t again and meme him up, I’m attacking you. Not like that, physically … but I’m attacking you.”
Irving urged fans to show more understanding and pointed to Towns’ multicultural upbringing in New Jersey as part of what makes him unique.
“Leave KAT alone, okay? Because y’all don’t know what it’s like growing up in Jersey and have all of these cultures that you’re a part of. Trust me on that,” Irving added.
Though born in Melbourne, Australia, Irving moved to New Jersey at a young age, growing up in West Orange—just a short drive from Towns’ hometown of Edison. The two share a deep Jersey bond and an understanding of the diverse environment that shaped them.
On top of online criticism, Towns is also facing scrutiny from within his own organization. Despite his solid statistical output, reports suggest the Knicks grew “frustrated” with him as the season progressed.
Still, Irving’s defense of Towns highlights a growing sentiment among players: enough is enough when it comes to the constant clowning of their peers online.