Only Kyrie Can Answer the Boston Celtics’ Ruthless Defense Despite Luka’s Presence, Says DeMarcus Cousins

Kyrie Irving is going through a rough patch. Apart from soaking the heckling of the crowd, he also has an infamous record at the Boston Arena. Ever since he stomped the logo, he has gone 0-12 whenever he played at TD Garden, including the two losses from the series. But many people have not lost hope in the Dallas Mavericks superstar including DeMarcus Cousins.

In a recent clip by All the Smoke, Rachel Nichols asked the adjustment Irving could make for game 3. They debated whether Boston’s defense was just that good or has Irving had been unlike himself. Additionally, the two also had quite a bit to say about how the Mavs #11 can get going, and if the Mavs have any chance at coming back and winning the series.

Boogie spoke about the obvious struggles of Kyrie Irving and credited Boston’s defense which has kept Irving quiet. The Celtics also have an advantage in terms of height and length that they used efficiently against him. That has bothered the 32-year-old when it comes to scoring the ball consistently.

The former Celtics man needs to figure out the opponent’s defensive scheme to find his spots. Cousins feels Irving has to go deep in his offensive arsenal to produce results in his favor. According to Boogie, “Your first, second, and third options are studied they’re studied hard.” Even the intangibles and other tendencies are directed thoroughly. So that’s why even with Luka Doncic scoring triple-doubles, the team lacks the edge. Doncic scored 30 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in Game 1, a lopsided 107-89 victory for the Boston Celtics. In Game 2, he put up 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists—but the Mavericks lost again, 105-98.

“So now it’s time for Kyrie to get to the fourth, fifth, and sixth offense. And everybody doesn’t have that ability but I said earlier this is one one of the best scorers this league has ever seen. So he’s one of those guys that have that many options when it comes to scoring the basketball.”

Will Kyrie Irving turn the game around?

According to a Tuesday afternoon report from Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Doncic received a painkilling injection before Game 2 and is expected to receive another before Game 3. Per MacMahon, the injection is to treat a thoracic contusion that nearly kept him out of Game 2. So Irving seems determined to step up his game.

Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show suggested a plan of action like a true analyst. Speaking of Irving, he said, “Kai is getting to his spots, he is just missing.” The 8x All-Star only managed to drop 16 points with a 7-18 FG. Moreover, Kyrie Irving hasn’t been great from the perimeter, as he hasn’t made a single three-pointer in this series, with a record 0-8 from the arc.

Luka Doncic has consistently delivered throughout the playoffs and even during the two losses against the Celtics, averaging 31 points. But, he definitely needs a step up from Kyrie Irving to take the team to the promised land. The home-field advantage might be the boost that propels Irving’s game.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.