Tag: Kyrie Irving

From the Boston Celtics perspective, should the ‘Ewing Theory’ be renamed the ‘Kyrie Theory’?

At least one NBA analyst thinks so.

There is a theory that at times, certain star NBA players can make their team better by not playing. The theory is named for a historic run by the New York Knicks that took place after their star big man, Patrick Ewing, went down injured.

But at least one NBA analyst thinks that the theory could be better explained by a handful of more recent examples, including how the Boston Celtics took a step forward when star point guard Kyrie Irving got hurt. The 2017-18 NBA season ended in the Eastern Conference Finals’ Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers sans Irving, and shifted the focus of the team moving forward as a result.

The folks behind the “Andy Hoops” YouTube channel put together a video of five such examples from recent NBA history.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear their case.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Patrick Mahomes congratulates Kyrie Irving on incredible game-winning shot vs. Nuggets

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes applauded Mavericks G Kyrie Irving for his game-winning shot against the Nuggets.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes were on the move again this past weekend. After their appearance on Saturday, opening day at the brand-new CPKC Stadium, home of their NWSL franchise, Kansas City Current, the couple attended Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets game.

The nationally televised NBA matchup had the world tuning in to see the Mahomes family walk in and sit courtside to take in the showcased matchup. Patrick is a well-noted fan of the Mavericks, who represent his hometown, so he’s made several appearances in the past, but this game had a unique finish no one could predict.

Dallas star Kyrie Irving converted a remarkable shot with his non-dominant left hand at the buzzer to seal the victory over the Nuggets. The improbable make sent the arena into a frenzy as the hometown team left the court. On the way to the locker room, Irving was greeted by Mahomes as the two exchanged handshakes.

“Greatness, Dawg, Greatness,” said Mahomes, who was also active on his social media account reposting the game-winning highlight shot.

The old saying of real recognizes real was in full effect as the two superstars of their respective sports embraced each other. The Mahomes family is enjoying their offseason and sharing it with the world as Patrick made sure to leave Mavericks All-Star guard Luka Dončić with a signed Chiefs jersey.

NBA Twitter reacts to Kyrie Irving’s game-winner vs. Nuggets: ‘Most skilled player ever…’

Here’s how NBA Twitter reacted to Kyrie Irving’s wild game-winner vs. Denver.

Kyrie Irving hit a ridiculous left-handed hook shot from behind the free-throw line to win the game for the Mavericks at the buzzer against the Denver Nuggets.

As Kyrie’s name was trending on the social media platform, NBA Twitter exploded last night.

Here are the best reactions from fans, media members, and players.

Is Kyrie Irving finally starting to mellow towards Celtics fans?

His understanding of WHY they are booing him seems a bit specious, but that the Mavs star appeared to finally acknowledge that the fan base has any reason at all to boo him could be seen as progress.

Is former Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving finally starting to mellow towards Celtics fans in their longstanding feud? After being booed every time he touched the ball in Boston’s recent blowout of the Dallas Mavericks, Irving seemed oddly understanding of the dynamic between himself and Celtics fans.

His understanding of WHY they are booing him seems a bit specious, but that the Mavs star appeared to finally acknowledge that the fan base has any reason at all to boo him could be seen as progress. Or is it more a factor of Irving’s star having faded a bit as well?

The hosts of the CLNS Media “How Bout Them Celtics!” podcast took a close look at the usually heated exchange and its aftermath on a recent episode.

Check it out in the clip embedded above!

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Kyrie Irving on frosty welcome from home Boston Celtics crowd: ‘They have a right to boo’

“I think that’s what makes the theatrics of sports and competitive sports fun, and (you) just have to embrace it,” he said. “It’s a part of it.”

As they typically tend to do in response to his leaving the team for the Brooklyn Nets, fans of the Boston Celtics let Kyrie Irving — now with the Dallas Mavericks — hear their ire every time he touched the ball in Boston’s 138-110 blowout of the Mavs on Friday night at TD Garden.

The healthy rain of boos accompanied Irving’s nearly every move on the court, but the former Celtics floor general appeared to take it in stride, even as it appeared to impact his shot, with Irving going just 9-of-23 overall and 1-of-7 from deep. “Rightfully so,” began the Mavs guard on his response from the home crowd via CLNS Media.

“They have a right to boo and, you know, for my career record against them for the last few games I haven’t won so until I beat them, they have all the right to continue to boo.”

“I think that’s what makes the theatrics of sports and competitive sports fun, and (you) just have to embrace it,” he added. “It’s a part of it.”

Whether a kinder, mellower Kyrie will ever settle his debts in the minds of Boston fans remains to be seen, but it’s an interesting new wrinkle on an old saga, if nothing else.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Every Boston Celtics All-Star for each season the game was played

Every single Boston Celtics All-Star in franchise history.

The 2024 NBA All-Star Game is set to kick off in Indianapolis, Indiana. A pair of Boston Celtics will be part of the action for the third year in a row as Jayson Tatum plays as a starter and Jaylen Brown a reserve for the Eastern Conference All-Stars.

Tatum and Brown join a long list of Celtics stars who have participated in the event, now entering its 73rd year of existence, which actually got its start in the old Boston Garden. Initially created to improve the image of professional basketball after a point-shaving scandal in NCAA ball besmirched the sport in the eyes of the public, the event has taken on a life of its own as one of the league’s most anticipated events.

Let’s take a look at all the Celtics who have taken part.

Gregg Popovich has high praise for Mavericks stars after Spurs loss

After the San Antonio Spurs’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Gregg Popovich showed love to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

A hot start wasn’t enough to earn a win for the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, as they ended up losing to the Dallas Mavericks by a score of 116-93. Victor Wembanyama did his best to lead the way for the Spurs, but it just wasn’t enough to get past Dallas.

On the flip side, the Mavericks were led by two All-Star-caliber players – Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic put up 34 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Irving finished the game with 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. The two Mavericks stars combined to shoot 26-of-42 from the field.

After the game, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gave Doncic and Irving some high praise. (H/t Jeremy Brener of Inside the Spurs)

“I thought Luka and Kyrie played like Hall of Fame players. They were fantastic,” Popovish said. “We couldn’t do anything with them, but I saw a lot of good things from the young guys that we can build on. You just got to keep shooting the shots and they don’t go in if you want to shoot them. It just makes it a tough night.”

Irving may very well already be a Hall-of-Famer, and Doncic is well on his way.

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Kyrie Irving gets funny message from Victor Wembanyama in Spurs-Mavs

After his crazy bucket in the San Antonio Spurs’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Kyrie Irving told a funny message Victor Wembanyama gave him.

The San Antonio Spurs took on the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Despite a hot start to the night, an early 15-point Spurs lead quickly flipped on its head. That was in the first quarter, and by the early stages of the fourth quarter, the Mavericks were up by as many as 29 points.

San Antonio lost the game, and in the third quarter, Victor Wembanyama even got showed up. Kyrie Irving drove the cup and scored a layup over the outstretched hands of the 7-foot-3 behemoth. The 20-year-old rookie could do nothing but run back on defense with a smile on his face.

After the game, Irving revealed the funny message Wembanyama said to him following the play.

“The big fella just came over and said that was a lucky shot,” Irving said via ESPN.

Obviously, Wembanyama’s defensive talent is that of a potential DPOY, so whenever an offensive player gets the better of him as Irving did, it’s noteworthy.

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Courtside fan video shows Kyrie Irving blaming NYC Mayor Eric Adams for guard’s Nets tenure

Kyrie Irving blamed Mayor Adams for why it didn’t work out in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Nets hosted the Dallas Mavericks and it was the first time Kyrie Irving played at the Barclays Center since he was traded.

Irving finished with a game-high 36 points (including a shocking alley-oop dunk) during a victory for the Mavericks over the Nets. He also added six 3-pointers, five assists, and two steals.

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During the game, a fan sitting courtside asked Irving why he didn’t play like that during his time in Brooklyn between 2019 and 2023. The eight-time All-Star had an interesting answer that has caught the attention of folks who have seen the clip.

“You can thank Mayor Adams for that, bro,” Irving responded.

In a part of his tenure with the franchise, Irving was unable to play home games in Brooklyn due to his unwillingness to get vaccinated. He was also benched by the team for the same reason.

For the majority of the 2021-22 season, New York City had a vaccine mandate that barred unvaccinated athletes from playing home games.

Kevin Durant, Irving’s former teammate on the Nets, was critical of NYC Mayor Eric Adams for the confusing rule that allowed unvaccinated players to attend games but not play.

By late March 2022, Adams reversed the decision. This, however, was not the only controversy that Irving faced during his time on the Nets. Last season, Irving was also suspended without pay for multiple games after he refused to unequivocally say that held no antisemitic beliefs.

The vaccine mandate upheld by Adams may have prevented Irving from ever finding a rhythm. Perhaps that played a role in why Durant and James Harden eventually demanded trades from the Nets, too.

But it was far from the only reason why Irving’s time with Brooklyn was such a disappointment.

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Nets’ Ben Simmons, Mavs’ Kyrie Irving react to Irving’s return to Brooklyn

After Tuesday’s 119-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons reacted to the loss and Kyrie Irving’s return.

NEW YORK — Tuesday marked the return of two players that have a profound impact on their respective teams: Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. While Irving’s return was because he was traded away from the Nets last season, Simmons’ return was because of injury maintenance. However, Simmons was able to reflect on the game.

“Collectively, we got to know every game is going to be a battle and a challenge,” Simmons said after putting up nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in Tuesday’s 119-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Simmons and the Nets had a tough task ahead of them as they were playing the second night of a back-to-back, missing several key rotation players, and had to face Irving.

“It was one of those things where we got to compete every night,” Simmons said in terms of how the Nets have to play on a nightly basis if they want to win games. “We don’t have KD (Kevin Durant, Kyrie (Irving), guys like that now. So, it’s more of a collective effort offensively and defensively, but it starts with defense.”

Speaking of Irving, he put up 36 points and five assists on a very efficient 15-of-24 shooting from the field and 6-of-10 shooting from three-point land. He looked comfortable throughout the entire game and it looked like he relished in the fact that he was playing so well that the boos dissipate towards the end of the contest.

“It felt like I was home tonight,” Irving said after Dallas’ win. “Getting here early, warming up, just getting a good sense of the rims, the atmosphere, what it was going to be like and just mentally preparing myself for the game, just letting the game come to me, and allowing the basketball gods to do the rest.”

With Dallas’ win, the Mavericks have swept the season series with the Nets 2-0. So, the Nets won’t be seeing Dallas again for the rest of the season and also, they gave the last tribute of the Big 3 era. Now, Brooklyn will most likely be worried about the trade deadline on Thursday before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

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