‘With great power comes great responsibility‘, and Luka Doncic is the perfect example of this popular saying. The Slovenian guard looked like a solo warrior at the TD Garden in game 2 today, making timely baskets to keep the Dallas Mavericks alive. However, the mighty Celtics were flawless, as they took complete advantage of the home court. Doncic had a 30-point triple-double, but there were a few mistakes he made, which he has taken responsibility for. 

After a disappointing 105-98 loss to the Boston Celtics, Doncic sat with an injured body in the post-game interview. Although he finished the game with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, the Western Conference MVP took the blame for the loss. He said, “My turnovers and missed free throws cost us the game“, proving why he is one of the best leaders in the NBA. 

Doncic had 8 turnovers and missed four free throws, which might have turned around the game’s outcome. Nonetheless, he was not the only reason for the loss today. What’s appreciable is that he played through a bruised chest and sprained knees for 42 minutes, despite the loss. 

One might say the pressure is high on Doncic to perform in the upcoming games. The only (big) fear for the Slovenian guard would be his injured body. The pressure is sky high for everyone surrounding Doncic, but especially Kyrie Irving, who has a lot to answer.

How did the pressure get to Kyrie Irving on the biggest platform? Should he take responsibility for the loss?

This is Irving’s second appearance in the NBA Finals. However, his rivalry with the Boston Celtics this time has come to full display. This matchup is a psychological test for Irving, and it looks like he is having trouble with it. For starters, after the first two games, Irving is 0-8 from the three-point line, which is a huge concern for the Mavericks.

Irving told the media he “failed miserably” in game 1. Looks like he has to stick to the same quotes for game 2 as well. He finished with 16 points, 6 assists, and 2 rebounds, shooting 7/18 from the field, and also two turnovers. During the game, he was also having trouble with a Celtics fan, who got into his head.

At this point, you might think that Irving is used to the “Kyrie sucks” chant at the TD Garden. Looks like that is not the case. Irving showed his middle finger to a fan on the sideline, who was messing with him during the game.

The pressure is clearly getting to the 32-year-old’s head. But on the bright side, the next two games are at Dallas. Doncic is doing his role properly. It is high time that Irving steps up so that the Mavericks can tie the series to keep their championship hopes alive.