Kyrie Irving recently broke his silence on the Dallas Mavericks’ disappointing NBA Finals loss last season. The Mavericks, who reached the Finals for the first time in 13 years, were defeated by the Boston Celtics in a 4-1 series. Irving, known for his pivotal role in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 championship run, struggled to replicate that success with the Mavericks.
In a candid Twitch stream, Irving took responsibility for his performance, especially during critical moments of the Finals. “Last year was definitely a disappointing year from the standpoint of not winning the Finals,” he admitted. “We got there for a reason. Blood is definitely in the water. I’m always going to take accountability. Definitely got to set that straight.”
Irving acknowledged his subpar performance, noting that it has been a source of personal frustration. “Did not play my best at all down the stretch in the season, and it’s been eating me alive in a healthy way. We’re gonna be back. Losing f—ing sucks though,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Irving remains focused on the future. His performance in the Finals was below his usual standards, averaging 19.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in the series.
Looking ahead, Irving is determined to improve and help lead the Mavericks to success. His commitment to overcoming last season’s setbacks reflects his resilience and drive to achieve greatness.
In related news, Kyrie Irving has been rated 92 overall in the upcoming NBA 2K25 video game. Ronnie 2K, a well-known figure in the gaming community, commented on Irving’s rating during an appearance on the Stephen A. Smith Show. Ronnie 2K acknowledged that Irving’s performance in the NBA Finals might have influenced his rating. “I think Kyrie was kind of hurt a little bit by sample size,” Ronnie 2K said. “He kind of disappeared in Boston, and I think that moving over he’s kind of had a rejuvenation, but like, maybe it’s still a little work in progress.”
As the new NBA season approaches, Irving’s focus is on improving his game and addressing the challenges from the previous season. The Mavericks and their fans are hopeful that Irving’s renewed commitment will lead to a more successful campaign.