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    Kyrie Irving Reflects on Game 1 Loss and Prepares for Game 2 Against Boston Celtics

    Updated: Sports 6 Mins Read

    No one can be on point at all times. Let’s face facts.

    Kyrie Irving put in a disappointing performance in the first game in the first game of the series against Boston Celtics, scoring only 12 points as the Dallas Mavericks fell 107-99. It was a harrowing experience for the TD Garden crowd, known for their disdain for Irving and his team, didn’t hold back, often singing “Kyrie sucks! “Irving, on the other hand, downplayed the impact of the hostile environment, arguing that he is used to such situations. “It’s basketball at the final moment of the day. “You know, I’m used to being in this environment,” Irving explained. He said that in the past the relation to Boston was different however, now as an experienced player and a leader, he is in charge of the process of settling his team.

    In a reflection on his previous experiences in and the Celtics, Irving noted the shift in the dynamics when he’s an experienced leader. “Early in my professional life, there was another connection that I felt with Boston and just being able to come here, be settled with a veteran group,” Irving remembered. “Now I’m here as a veteran, over the past couple of decades, just being in the playoffs here, even during the regular season, it’s been the exact same thing.” He is expecting a mob at home to increase their efforts to frighten him during Game 2 but the coach admitted that he was expecting more raucous crowds during Game 1.

    Irving’s performance was not as impressive with just shooting six of his 19 shots from the floor, and not completing the five 3-point attempts. He was confident that he shot quality shots, but they did not fall. “I felt like I had a lot of great looks,” he stated. “They hit back rim or were just a little left or right.” In a statement that stressed the importance of focus, Irving stressed the need to be calm and focused. “This is the best time of the year to be playing. There’s only two teams left. Let’s put it in perspective. The environment is going to be what it is but my focus is on our game plan and making sure my guys feel confident and I feel confident and continue to shoot great shots.”

    The Mavericks have struggled with their offense overall, scoring only 90 points while recording only nine assists. Irving acknowledged the Celtics hard-hitting defenders for their efficient defense that let them stay away on shooters. Irving recognized the need to enhance decision-making and better control the game when playing Game 2. “I think that they really rely on their great defensive ball pressure and one-on-one defenders. They funnel us into certain areas. Even as I mention that, they rely on one-on-one conversations; every time I get an ISO, there are nearly two or three individuals waiting for me to enter. I have to grab the ball on a live movement and stay mindful of my options.”

    Irving stressed the need for more ball movement and speed. “It’s uncharacteristic for us to have only nine assists. The ball has got to move a little bit more. And again, that starts with me just being able to push the pace, get us some easy opportunities, and just adjust to what they are throwing at us.” He’s looking forward to the necessary adjustments to recover from the Game 1 defeat. The Mavericks were able to rally for a short time to cut a deficit of 29 points by eight points in the 3rd quarter but they were unable to sustain the momentum and ended the game with a 20-point deficit. Irving will use this stretch of positive play as an example in Game 2.

    Despite the setbacks, Irving remains optimistic about the show. “It’s a fun series. It was fun going into the game. “It’ll still be fun,” Irving concluded. “But there’s going to be a level of chess that still has to be played. And Game 1 was just about adjustments.” Irving acknowledged his team’s desire to win, and the necessity to re-play some of their games but focusing on the benefits that are taken forward. “We obviously wanted to win this basketball game,” Irving stated. “We offered ourselves a chance in the second period when we were down by eight, and they extended the lead to 16 and 22 before we called a timeout. So I’m just going to replay some of these possessions. But, at the same time, consider many of the positives that we may take into Game 2.

    Irving will lead the team throughout the series with confidence and make strategic adjustments, with a focus on improving their performance and coping with the Celtics defensive pressure better in the coming games.

    Key Points:

    i. Underwhelming Performance: Kyrie Irving scored 12 points in the Dallas Mavericks’ 107-99 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1, struggling with his shooting and missing all five of his 3-point attempts.

    ii. Fan Hostility: The TD Garden crowd showed disdain for Irving, chanting “Kyrie sucks,” but Irving downplayed its impact, saying he’s used to it and focusing on his role as a veteran leader.

    iii. Acknowledge the Challenge: Irving credited the Celtics’ strong defensive pressure and acknowledged the need to improve ball movement and decision-making, particularly against Boston’s one-on-one defenders.

    iv. Looking Ahead: Irving emphasized the importance of staying confident and poised, recognizing the need for adjustments and better execution in Game 2 to bounce back in the series.

    v. Positives and Adjustments: Despite the loss, Irving highlighted positive stretches during the game and stressed the importance of making strategic adjustments for the upcoming match.

    Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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