The Dallas Mavericks face a challenging 0-2 deficit in the NBA Finals, and while Kyrie Irving isn’t solely to blame, he acknowledges that his performance needs to improve significantly for the team to have a chance at a comeback. Through two games, Irving’s struggles have been evident: he is averaging 14 points on 35.1% shooting, including a dismal 0-of-8 from three-point range, alongside eight assists and five turnovers.
Accountability and Acceptance
Irving, displaying a more mature attitude, took full responsibility for his subpar performance, reaching out to his teammate Luka Doncic to express his accountability. “It started with me just telling my hermano… just letting him know it’s my fault, taking accountability for not playing particularly well,” Irving said. This self-awareness is a crucial first step towards improvement.
Tactical Adjustments
For Irving to turn things around, he needs to focus on better shot selection and decision-making. “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 explained. The Celtics have effectively deployed specific defensive strategies to stymie Irving, including the elite defence of Jrue Holiday.
Defensive Strategies of Kyrie Irving
Holiday and the Celtics have employed a team-centric approach to containing Irving. “It’s not just one person, it’s everybody,” Holiday said. “We just try to defend him, we try to show him bodies, multiple people, and just try to make it difficult.” This collective effort has forced Irving into tough spots, limiting his effectiveness.
Coaching Perspectives
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is well aware of the need to get Irving going, especially with Kristaps Porzingis’ uncertain status affecting the team’s interior presence. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expects a more aggressive Irving in Game 3. “I think he’s missed some easy shots,” Mazzulla noted. “I expect him obviously to be even more aggressive and to fight to get those shots.”
Mazzulla emphasized the importance of detailed individual defence against Irving. “It’s not about shutting him down. It’s about making it difficult for him because of his ability to impact plays. So we just have to fight for that. He’s gotten some good looks. I think we have to guard him better. He’s going to be more aggressive.”
The Path Forward to Kyrie Irving
For the Mavericks to make this series competitive, it starts with Irving finding his rhythm and delivering the kind of performance that helped them reach the Finals. While this alone won’t be enough, it is the critical foundation for any potential turnaround. Irving’s recognition of his struggles and commitment to improvement could be the catalyst the Mavericks need as they head into Game 3.
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