Who knew that years after their controversial split, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics would be meeting in the NBA Finals? Irving has been a big reason why the Mavs are still standing and remain in contention for the NBA title in the 2023-24 NBA season. Even with the brilliance of Luka Doncic, the Mavs likely wouldn’t have gotten this far without Irving.
Irving will be garnering much attention in the finals, though, according to Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston, he’s just the fourth-best player among those set to play in the finals.
Celtics fans are all too familiar with Irving, who spent two tumultuous seasons in Boston from 2017-19. It didn’t work out with the C’s or the Brooklyn Nets, but the eight-time All-Star seems revitalized by his opportunity to play as Luka Doncic’s sidekick in Dallas.
Irving has averaged 22.8 points per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the floor (42.1 percent from 3) in the playoffs. His buy-in on the defensive end of the floor is a big reason the Mavs have gotten to this point. He’ll get booed loudly when he returns to TD Garden on Thursday, but C’s fans may want to tread lightly and avoid poking the bear.
Ahead of Irving on the list are Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum at No. 3 and No. 2, respectively, while Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic occupies the top spot.
Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving in the 2024 NBA Playoffs
Nevertheless, Irving will be important for the Mavs and the Celtics will be focusing a lot of their attention on trying to stop their former star. So far in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Irving is averaging 22.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, while making 48.5 percent of his field goal attempts and 42.1 percent of his 3-point tries.
For More NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us at @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of the NBA, college basketball, and also the WNBA, while the 2024 NBA Playoffs are also in full swing, click here!
