The Dallas Mavericks fell to a 0-2 series deficit in the NBA Finals after losing Game 2 to the Boston Celtics. Kyrie Irving took the brunt of the blame for his dismal offensive performance, after a poor showing in Game 1 as well. The 32-year-old guard reacted to his performance and was self-critical about his lack of offensive contribution.
“A little disappointed in myself not being able to convert a lot more of the opportunities I have in the lane. Obviously I’m going against Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown a few times but I feel like I have the upper edge on certain possessions, I just gotta convert.”
Irving put up 16 points on 7-18 shooting in Game 2, which was an improvement on his 12-point performance in Game 1. He’s averaging 14.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists this series on 35.1% from the field and is yet to make a three.
There’s no way the Mavericks can win a game, let alone the series if Irving can’t contribute to the explosive levels we know he’s capable of.
The Celtics have been more locked in on ensuring players like Irving don’t go off for big offensive heaters, which explains why he has struggled more than an injured Luka Doncic this series. Doncic has the physical tools of being 6’7″ to overcome the aggressive Celtics’ defense, but Irving has incredibly tough matchups with Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown.
Kyrie Irving Is Looking Forward To Games 3 And 4 In Dallas
The series will now head to Dallas after the Celtics defended homecourt in their first two games in Boston. The Mavericks have been the road team in every series of their 2024 Playoff run but managed to win Game 2 against each of their opponents to steal homecourt. They failed to do that against the Celtics, but Irving is confident their homecourt will help them bounce back.
“We wanna take advantage of playing in front of our home crowd. Feeling confident and being able to play in a familiar place. They handled what they were supposed to do in the first two games, now it’s our job to go home and handle our business. You’ve got to give them credit, they kept competing, we keep competing. We just need to stick together during the tough times of the game… We just gotta keep competing.”
"Now it's our job to go home and handle our business."
Kyrie Irving looks forward to returning to Dallas for Game 3 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/slbAXg1oes
— NBA (@NBA) June 10, 2024
All eyes should be on Irving in Game 3, as the Mavericks need him to be the difference-maker given the gaudy numbers Doncic has already put up through the first two games. if the co-star can’t show up, the Mavericks won’t stand a chance.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd supported Irving, believing he just had a bad shooting night and failed to make some favorable looks.
“He had great looks. They just didn’t go down. That’s just the game of basketball. Sometimes, you make them. Sometimes, you don’t. You continue to keep playing. He had some good looks that just didn’t go down for him tonight.”
Irving is averaging 21.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the 2024 Playoffs, showing his offensive struggles have compounded over the run. If Irving can’t be the marquee offensive talent the Mavs need him to be, they won’t stand a chance at overturning this 0-2 Finals deficit.
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