Faced with a very well established Celtics defense, the Mavericks rely on the isolation of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irvingand the latter did not manage to get the best of his defenders.
During the two matches in Boston, he only averaged 14 points on 35% shooting and remained 0/8 by far during the first two matches of these 2024 Finals.
However, Kyrie Irving started Game 2 quite well before gradually fading against the defense of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. In sequences, it is even the wingers Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum who come to slow down their former teammate. But for Dallas to turn the series around, “Uncle Drew” knows he has to do better.
“I simply told my 'hermano' that I had to play better for him, alongside him,” explains Kyrie Irving in reference to Luka Doncic, ahead of Game 3. “For us to achieve our goal, we both have to play well and do the little things, do whatever it takes to win. »
Time to level up
Kyrie Irving is now on 12 consecutive losses against the Celtics. A series that he must quickly end if he wants to reproduce the scenario of the 2016 Finals and win the title.
“The first thing is to accept that I did not play well or at least not to the level I would have liked, nor up to my standards,” concedes the former Celtics leader. “Being back in Boston, I had such a desire within me to play well. I wanted to be there for my teammates. As a competitor, it's frustrating. But I don't want to let that seep or weigh on other decisions I have to make as a player. »
To win games and extend the Finals, the former leader of the Cavaliers and Nets will have to raise his level of play and be more productive, like what he did against the Wolves in the conference final. He will have the opportunity this evening by hosting, in Dallas… the Celtics who are undefeated away in these playoffs!
“I can feel the stakes getting a little higher”, admits Kyrie Irvingpushed on his left hand by Boston defenders. “Pressure is natural. We just have to continue to support each other, especially when things get tough. We are facing a great team. They are not going to stop pressing us, imposing their pace, testing us on both ends of the pitch. We know what we're getting into. But now we have to raise it to an even higher level, and that starts with me. »
