The Dallas Mavericks fell to a one-sided 89-107 Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, prompting fans to worry about their team’s chances in the series. Kyrie Irving, who had a very disappointing night, sent a message on social media to remind fans to stay together.
“Tribe, Keep GOD 1st and stay together, this mission is bigger than us. Hélà.”
Tribe, Keep GOD 1st and stay together, this mission is bigger than us.
Hélà🤞🏾🪶♾❤️
— Kyrie🤞🏾 (@KyrieIrving) June 7, 2024
Irving put up 12 points on 6-19 shooting in Game, going 0-5 on three-point attempts as well. He couldn’t navigate the court as he’s used to doing, with the Celtics’ athletic defenders not letting him generate the openings he usually can with his speed and twitchiness. He struggled in matchups against all three Celtics’ perimeter players, not being able to impact the game at all.
The Mavericks cannot win if Kyrie plays like this, with his production the crucial difference-maker in these performances. If Kyrie and Luka are both going off for a big night, we rarely see them on the losing end of it. If Irving could even live up to his regular production, the Mavs could have been far more competitive tonight than they were.
Kyrie Irving Needs To Step Up
Kyrie Irving’s postseason average has dropped to 22.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists after Game 1, a noticeable fall from the 25.8 points he averaged in the regular season.
Irving has been a more complete contributor for the Mavericks in the postseason in terms of his defense, he needs to address the scoring woes he’s had to deal with for most of the postseason.
Irving is saving his offensive aggression for the second half, but he’s been out of rhythm more often against aggressive Playoff defenses. He simply hasn’t been a consistent scorer, and the Mavericks need him to be in the playoffs. He’s been efficient, but it’s time for him to set the tone alongside Luka Doncic instead of them alternating quarters and halves.
Figuring out the Celtics’ defense will be another challenge, as they looked prepared for most of the Mavericks’ primary actions. They defended almost every scheme flawlessly, with the Mavs’ offense coming from wildcard moments by the likes of Doncic in single coverage. Irving is capable of those moments himself and needs to tap into that side of himself.
If the Mavericks want to have a shot at winning, they need to make sure their secondary offensive option isn’t allowing himself to be sidelined out of the game because he’s saving energy.
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