"Got to function in the playoffs"- Bob Cousy shoves Kyrie Irving off 'superstar' status following 2024 finals disappointment
Kyrie Irving has had an underwhelming start to the 2024 NBA Finals after helping Luka Doncic take the Dallas Mavericks to the big series. The veteran guard played like his best version before landing in the Finals and now the Celtics have had their number.
Talking with the Boston Globe, Celtics legend Bob Cousy shared his thoughts on Irving, stating that the guard isn't a superstar anymore given his struggles against his former team.
“The Celtics have exposed Kyrie Irving as not quite a superstar,” said Cousy. “He has been severely subdued. They’re not even trapping him a lot. They’re doing it one-on-one. Kyrie’s working his ass off and they’re still stopping most of his stuff.
“He’s no longer in the superstar category. You’ve got to function in the playoffs to determine where you are in the hierarchy," Cousy said.
It's not a secret that compared to the prior rounds in this year's playoffs, Irving has been a shell of himself in the Finals. It's worth noting that he had a slow start against the OKC Thunder too, but the Mavericks could at least get wins without his contributions.
The case is different against the Celtics since Luka Doncic has been the only threat the Mavericks have presented in this series. If they want to at least have a chance at the championship, Kyrie Irving must step up and show that he's still the right sidekick for Doncic.
Kyrie Irving is averaging 14.0 points per game in the Finals, 8.8 less than he averaged in the playoffs. The rebounds have gotten up, going from 2.5 to 3.9 rpg. The assists have had the same fate, going from 4.0 apg to 5.2. His field goal percentages have also taken a notable dip, starting at 48.5 in the playoffs and going all the way to 35.1 against the Celtics.
He's yet to make a 3-pointer in the Finals after averaging 42.1% from deep in the postseason.
Kyrie Irving admits it's his fault the Mavericks have struggled against the Celtics
After leaving Boston with an 0-2 deficit, Irving opened up on what's missing for the Mavericks. The 2016 NBA champion admitted that he must play better and take accountability when he doesn't.
"It all started with me. Just telling my hermano, I gotta play better for him alongside him and you know in order for us to accomplish our goal... just letting him know it is my fault, taking accountability for not playing particularly well," Irving said.
The Mavs return to action tonight, and Irving and company will try to get the first win of the series or they will be in a 3-0 hole that nobody has overcome before.