Dallas Mavericks talisman Kyrie Irving is focused on ending his self doubt in Game 5 of the NBA finals against the Boston Celtics. It hasn’t been an ideal series for Irving as he has missed his shots and thus lack of confidence has made a home in his mind.
Irving struggled in the Mavs’ two away losses in the Finals, averaging 14.0 points on 35.1% shooting. However, the Mavericks were able to stay alive in the series, winning the fourth game by obliterating the Celtics 122-84.
“I mean, let’s just call it what it is,” Irving said. “When the fans are cheering, ‘Kyrie sucks,’ they feel like they have a psychological edge, and that’s fair. Of course, if I’m not making shots or turning the ball over, that makes it even more of a pressing issue that they can stay on me for.
“I think in order to silence even the self-doubt, let alone the crowd doubt, but the self-doubt when you make or miss shots, that’s just as important as making sure I’m leading the team the right way and being human through this experience, too, and telling them how I feel.”
Meanwhile, Irving had shown a middle finger to Boston Celtics fans while playing for Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the 2022 Eastern Conference playoffs.
“You have to show your respect here,” Irving said. “I think that’s what I struggled with initially, was figuring out how I’m going to be a great player here while winning championships and also leading a team and selflessly joining the Celtics’ organization or the cult that they have here.
“That’s what they expect you to do as a player. They expect you to seamlessly buy into the Celtics’ pride, buy into everything Celtics. And if you don’t, then you’ll be outed.
“I’m one of the people that’s on the outs (laughing). I’m perfectly fine with that, you know what I mean. I did it to myself. They don’t welcome me with a warm embrace.”
Irving said it is crucial to contribute to the team’s success and not make it about himself in another must-win game for his side.
“Be prepared for what I’m getting myself into,” Irving said. “Most importantly, not making this about me or getting into the energy with anyone else other than my teammates. That’s about it.”
The fifth game of the series will be played on Monday.
