Good brother, Maverick Irving defends Towns on social media, boycotts Internet trolls

Mavericks star Kyrie Irving emotionally defended Carl Anthony Towns on Twitter to boycott online trolls.

The Dallas Mavericks may have missed the playoffs, but Kyrie Irving is still attracting much attention - and this time, he is not focusing on the performance on the court. In a recent Twitter live stream, the Dallas Mavericks guard stood up for his old friend, New Jersey fellow Carl Anthony Towns, as the New York Knicks big man faces wave after wave of internet trolls after wave after the 2025 NBA playoffs.

In this rapidly gaining popularity live broadcast, Irving responded to the Knicks' criticism against Towns after the Knicks' defeat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

"Don't make fun of my brother KAT anymore...I don't agree that he always changes his tone, but he is a man, he is my brother, and I will protect him."

Downs, who averaged 24.4 points and 12.6 rebounds this season, has attracted mockery online because of his unstable performance on the court, but also because fans think he "lost his personality" - labeling him "passionate" in popular videos. Despite his outstanding performance in the playoffs, including a 35-pointer against the Indiana Pacers, criticisms surrounding his behavior and efficiency fluctuations have also intensified. Still, Irving quickly defended Towns’ growth, resilience and undeniable influence, urging fans to respect his progress as a player and individual.

Their friendship can be traced back to childhood in New Jersey, where both of them overcome adversity and eventually become NBA superstars. Towns even thanked Irving for helping him build his iconic backward jump shot.

While the Mavericks wait for Irving to come back from an ACL tear, his leadership still shines outside the court. Irving’s enthusiastic support for Towns reflects the crucial player mentorship system in the league today – it’s not just about data, but also about unity.

Downs was traded to the Knicks before the 2024 season, but he remains at the heart of the team's long-term plan. Although his contract has been established, public discussions about his value continue – and support from a respected peer like Irving may help change that.

The Mavericks defender expressed his views humorously and touchingly during the Twitch live broadcast, and even joked that if these emoticons did not stop, he would "retaliate in the game." However, behind the irony, there is a serious message: the players will protect themselves. Both stars are facing a critical period – Irving is recovering and Towns is trying to stay steady – and the tacit understanding between them still resonates throughout the league.