Unlike his performances earlier in the playoffs, All-Star Kyrie Irving is having a hard time in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. As a result, the Dallas Mavericks guard has opened up on why he’s struggling against his former team.
Irving’s time with the Celtics did not unfold as expected over the span of two seasons. Alongside injury setbacks, reports surfaced regarding a lack of chemistry with his teammates, which strained relationships and caused tensions to rise in the locker room. Despite his impressive individual numbers, averaging 24.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, the team faced internal challenges.
In the ongoing NBA Finals, the Mavericks find themselves still without a victory against the Celtics. One significant factor contributing to their struggles has been his offensive performance. Playing in front of a crowd that once adored him but has now turned hostile, the All-Star guard has struggled, averaging a mere 14.0 points on a challenging 35.1 field goal percentage in Games 1 and 2. In the finals thus far, the Mavericks have averaged only 93.5 points per game, shooting just 44.5 percent from the floor.
Although Irving had a stellar performance in Game 3, scoring 35 points and contributing three rebounds and two assists, it was not enough to overcome the superior Boston team. Doncic and his teammates now face the imminent threat of a sweep in the NBA Finals, which would result in another championship for the Celtics.
Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving Opens Up On His Struggles Against Boston Celtics in NBA Finals
Unlike his earlier performances in the playoffs, Irving is certainly not playing like he used to. In article by Kurt Helin for NBC Sports, the one-time champion opened up on his struggles against Boston.
““I can be a lot more fundamentally sound, technical on my shots, not get into the paint often where it’s three or four guys around me, I’m not making a pass,” Irving said. “They’re sending specific strategies against me to make it difficult,” Helin wrote.
Throughout his 13-year run in the NBA, Irving has averaged 23.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. He also has connected 47 percent from the field, 39 percent from three, and 88 percent from the free throw line.
As it stands, Dallas has to work twice as hard to prevent the Celtics from sweeping them. Hopefully, Irving and company can work some magic or end their Finals run in disappointment.
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