Despite a game-high 20-point fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, Dinwiddie proclaims: “I’m not Kyrie. He’s gonna continue to lead this team… I just tried to gauge what needed to be done to win the game”.

Regardless, a humble Dinwiddie has been praised throughout the media as Brooklyn’s saviour whilst a plaguing shoulder injury sits All-star Irving on the sideline. 

With one of the worst defensive units in the league, Brooklyn entered their primetime game Saturday in Chicago at a disappointing 4-7 on the record. That was until Dinwiddie attacked the Bull’s frontline, exploiting a late mismatch with Wendell Carter Jr and going 14-of-15 from the free-throw line.

He was able to maintain his aggressive play after a fifth foul, knowing a charge would end his night and went 12-of-13 in the final five minutes alone.

Dinwiddie went on to deliver 28 points (9-21 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 6-7 FT), one steal and one block in 33 minutes during last night’s 115-86 loss to the Indiana Pacers, drawing his second straight start in place of Irving. 

The only Net to fill the stat sheet and coming out on top in the wake of a diminished backcourt, the California-native is likely to maintain his leadership role and carry Brooklyn through until both Irving and Caris LeVert return.

Dinwiddie has become the poster boy for head coach Kenny Atkinson’s “next man up” phrase and although the weight of success still rests heavy on Irving’s shoulders, the Nets are looking towards their sixth-man to be a catalyst in his absence.