3 Duds, 2 studs from Mavericks' brutal Game 1 loss to Celtics

1. Dud - Kyrie Irving

Opposite of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving struggled to get things going. The former NBA Champion failed to find any rhythm against his former team.

Irving shot 31.6 percent from the field and went 0-5 from the 3-point line. He missed a couple of open long-range attempts, that might have cut the Celtics' lead.

Aside from his shooting, he didn't have anything else going for him. Irving had just two assists and three turnovers.

The hostile environment may have been too much for him at times. The Mavs' guard was greeted with boos and chants whenever he touched the ball. Boston's fans even showed up with a Kyrie doll that they stomped on. Irving seemed unbothered, but he just wasn't himself in this game.

This was something Irving had anticipated. Before Thursday's game, he had prepared his teammates for TD Garden. He stressed the importance of composure and working as a team no matter what the crowd is saying.

Kyrie is 1-11 against Boston for his career. He will need to help the Mavs bounce back Sunday, if he hopes to change that narrative.

This is something Irving isn't afraid of. In a must-win Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he recorded 16 points and four turnovers on 33.3 percent shooting. Fast forward to Game 5 and Irving flipped the script. He recorded 36 points on 51.9 percent.

Irving will need to help the troops win Sunday if he wants to win his second NBA Championship. History says he is due for a bounce-back game, and he always seems to respond when his team needs him.

For all the latest on Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks throughout the rest of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, stay tuned.