Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets booked their place in the playoffs this week when they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the play-in tournament. The Nets will now face off against the Boston Celtics in the first round, a rematch from the previous year’s playoffs as well. Last year, the Nets defeated the Celtics. But this season, their roles are reversed, as the Celtics hold the 2nd seed, which Brooklyn had last year.
Kyrie Irving had an incredible performance against his former team on Tuesday night, as he helped the Nets overcome the Cavaliers. But Irving will have to step up against his other former team if the Nets want to move on to the second round in the playoffs. Irving and Durant are the two best players for the Nets, but the Nets don’t have the depth or defensive efficiency that the Celtics do.
Stephen A. Smith thinks that Kyrie Irving will have to be spectacular throughout the series if the Nets want to defeat the Celtics in this series. Speaking on NBA Countdown, Smith noted that Irving will have to be at his very best, as the Celtics are one of the best teams in the league. While Smith believes Kevin Durant will continue to be great, Irving will be the one who has to step up and perform (0:12 onwards).
“I think Kyrie Irving has to be spectacular in this series. He was certainly spectacular last night… Boston is another level. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum is another level. That defense in Boston is another level, even without Robert Williams. It is going to take a spectacular, not good, because good aint going to be enough. Kyrie Irving has to be spectacular in this series to get it done. I fully expect Kevin Durant to be Kevin Durant.”
Smith is right in his assessment of the Nets. The Celtics are the best defensive team in the league this season. And even though they won’t have Robert Williams, one of their best defenders, available for the series, the Celtics are still incredibly strong and will require the Nets to be on their A-game to go against them.
The Nets are considered outside favorites to win the NBA championship, despite being the 7th seed in the East. But given the wealth of talent they have available to them, the Nets will always be considered strong candidates to make a run in the playoffs and even reach the NBA Finals.
