Kyrie Irving began observing Ramadan in 2020-21 NBA season. He was then on the Brooklyn Nets. That was just part of Kyrie Irving’s eventful time with the Nets. Irving fasts during Ramadan and observes Islamic traditions surrounding this holiday as part of his commitment to the Muslim faith and his personal beliefs.
Irving had some memorable moments during the holy month. Despite the fast, he continues to play thanks to low energy reserves.
His first fasted season came during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season with the Nets. Irving averaged 26.9 points per game in 54 games.
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Ramadan lasted from April 12 to May 12 this season. Due to the altered schedule, all games were regular season games for Kyrie Irving. He played 14 games on an empty stomach, averaging 25.8 points per game. He even recorded 45 points, four assists and four steals in a loss against the Dallas Mavericks.
The following Ramadan season ran from April 2 to May 1. Irving was still on the Nets. It was a roller coaster ride for Irving as he only played in 29 games. Irving played five regular season games on an empty stomach.
He averaged 30.0 ppg, 6.4 ppg, 5.2 ppg and 1.8 ppg during that five-game stretch. He scored more than 30 points in three of five games, including a 42-point game in a win over the Houston Rockets.
Next, Irving played in the first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics during fasting. His team lost to the Celtics on their way to the NBA Finals. Irving averaged 21.3 points per game and 5.3 points per game in the series.
In the 2022-23 season, the holy month began on March 23 and ended on April 23. Irving was traded from Brooklyn to the Dallas Mavericks. He was shut down at the end of the season, as the Mavs missed the playoffs and fell to the end of their year. He played fewer matches while fasting last season.
Irving played seven games on an empty stomach last year, averaging 24.2 points per game. His best performance in Ramadan 2023 saw him score 41 points in an overtime loss against the Atlanta Falcons.
Kyrie Irving’s stats during Ramadan this season
This year, Ramadan runs from March 11 to April 9. Kyrie Irving will stop fasting before the start of the playoffs. He has played five games since his fast began.
The highlight of course came with his ridiculous left floater over Nikola Jokic to beat the Denver Nuggets at the buzzer on St. Patrick’s Day. He finished with 24 points in the victory. Irving is averaging 25.0 ppg this Ramadan.
