Irving calls playing during Ramadan an 'adjustment'
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving confirmed Friday that he's had to make adjustments to pregame preparations as part of observing Ramadan.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection practiced by Muslims worldwide that prohibits consuming food or liquids between dawn and sunset. Ramadan, which began on April 12, runs for 30 days.
"I am taking part in Ramadan with a lot of my Muslim brothers and sisters and it's been an adjustment," Irving told reporters following Friday's 109-104 victory over the Boston Celtics, courtesy of SportsNet New York.
Kyrie Irving says he's fasting for Ramadan and has had to change some of his preparation for games:
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) April 24, 2021
"I am taking part in Ramadan with a lot of my Muslim brothers and sisters and it's been an adjustment" pic.twitter.com/xRRni7V3f1
"It's just being committed to my service, to God Allah, and then continuing on with whatever I'm guided with," the seven-time All-Star added.
Irving didn't expand on those adjustments, but he is one of several NBA players observing the holy month, including former Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown and Portland Trail Blazers frontcourt duo Jusuf Nurkic and Enes Kanter.
"Once the game is going, you don't think about 'you're thirsty,' you don't think about 'you're hungry' or anything like that," Kanter told The Oregonian's Aaron Fentress earlier this month. "You're just focusing on the game.
"One thing about Ramadan, I feel like it is all up in your head. It's all about just mental strength," Kanter added.
Irving recorded 15 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, and four steals on Friday evening in Kevin Durant and James Harden's absence. The Nets reclaim top spot in the Eastern Conference from the Philadelphia 76ers with the victory over Boston.