In the Mavericks' second-round series against the Thunder, Kyrie Irving averaged just 15 points and had two single-digit games. Despite these struggles, Dallas won in six games. However, facing the Celtics is an entirely different challenge. The Celtics are far more powerful offensively, particularly with Kristaps Porzingis back in action. For Dallas to stand a chance, Irving can’t afford another low-scoring game like his 12-point effort in Game 1. It’s really that straightforward.
But don’t get it twisted—Irving turning in a big night in Game 2 won’t be a walk in the park. We love to think superstars can just flip a switch, but defenses play a huge role. Against the Thunder, Irving faced Jalen Williams and a solid group of perimeter defenders ready to switch and help. It wasn’t just about him being passive; the defense did their job.
Now, the Celtics are a whole other beast. They’ve got Jrue Holiday, arguably the best on-ball defender out there, and a lineup full of excellent switch defenders. In Game 1, Irving saw his shots thwarted by everyone from Al Horford to Sam Hauser. He even dribbled off his foot against Derrick White, missed open 3s, and a bunch of pull-up jumpers he usually nails. Holiday even forced him into an airball that luckily became a lob for Dereck Lively.
One major problem was Boston’s ability to cover Luka Doncic with a single defender, allowing others to stay home on Irving. This limited Irving’s usual chances to create against a scrambling defense. Doncic, who finished with 30 points on 26 shots, also struggled against Boston’s defense. If he heats up early in Game 2, Boston might double him, potentially giving Irving more room to work.
But this suggests Irving needs a broken defense to score, which isn’t entirely true. Everyone knows Irving’s creative prowess. Before the Finals, Holiday was asked about guarding Irving and simply said, “Pray.” If that’s the case, it seems the basketball gods were Celtics fans in Game 1. Yet, Irving is capable of flipping the script, even against Boston’s tough defenders. He has to because Dallas can't afford another off night from him.
Unlike the Celtics, who can still thrive when a star like Jayson Tatum has an off game, Dallas doesn’t have that luxury. Doncic and Irving need to combine for 60-plus points, especially if Boston sticks to their strategy of not leaving shooters and boxing out guys like Gafford and Lively. The role players won’t score without Doncic and Irving creating the leverage.
Boston dared Dallas' stars to beat them in Game 1, giving them single coverage all night. The Mavericks couldn't capitalize. Doncic, who had just one assist because Boston took away his passing options, still managed 30 points but was otherwise contained. Irving was practically invisible for the final three quarters.
Game 2 has to tell a different story. Irving needs to play with the urgency of a must-win game. It’s not about jacking up off-the-dribble 3s to keep up with Boston. He has to consistently beat his defender, get into the paint for his own shots, and when Boston collapses, set up the Dallas shooters.
Dallas needs more than just Irving and Doncic to keep up with Boston, but it has to start with them. Doncic can be penciled in for 30, but it needs to be more efficient than Game 1. Irving is the wild card. If he doesn’t step up, the Mavericks could find themselves in an 0-2 hole, and at that point, they’ll be the ones praying for a miracle.
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