(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks need to make a statement with their performance in Game 3 of the NBA Finals and, more importantly, they need to win.
If that is going to happen, one star will have to play much better than he has: Kyrie Irving.
Speaking on Tuesday’s “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith said that Irving needs to remind the world about the sort of player he is.
“Kyrie Irving has to show up and I think he has the talent and the heart to answer the call,” Smith said.
He added that if Irving doesn’t have a “breakout game,” then the Mavericks will be at serious risk of being swept in the Finals.
.@stephenasmith believes Kyrie needs to have a breakout game to avoid a sweep
“Dallas cannot lose this game. … Kyrie Irving has to show up and I think he has the talent and the heart to answer the call.” pic.twitter.com/yEwJsahdk6
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 11, 2024
Over the first two games, Irving has averaged 14 points and shot 35.1% from the field.
After a promising run through the playoffs, Irving has cooled off at the worst possible time and now his team is in a 0-2 hole.
Luka Doncic is trying as hard as he can, quite literally putting his body on the line and pushing himself to a physical limit.
He cannot carry the team on his own and he needs Irving to play like the team’s second-best player again.
Irving is one of the most talented guards in NBA history but he looks like someone who is off his game right now.
Jayson Tatum hasn’t been playing incredibly well, Kristaps Porzingis may be injured, and Game 3 will be held in Dallas.
Those are three reasons why the Mavericks should have an advantage on Wednesday night.
If they aren’t able to score a victory, they will have a 0-3 deficit, and the chances of them winning a title will be practically nonexistent.
Irving has to play well in Game 3 or else his team’s season will basically be over.
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