One of the biggest revelations of this 2017-18 NBA campaign has been the developing all-around game of Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving. As opposed to being a pure scorer as he largely was relegated to alongside LeBron James during his days with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving has blossomed into a more complete player in his first season as a Celtic.
Following a recent victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Irving was asked about overcoming shooting struggles and responded that those things don’t matter to him as much anymore. Following from ESPN’s Chris Forsberg:
“As a young player, I used to get stuck in one game and think that this was going to be the end all, be all. If I don’t shoot well tonight, then I don’t know if I’m going to make it until tomorrow, man,” he said. “And that’s just how maniacal I am about the game. But now it’s really about the big picture. As long as you can affect the game on the defensive end, offensive end, and put your team in a great position to win, that’s the only thing that really matters.
“All the other stats and everything, you can try to make important — you can — but it’ll deviate you. I’ve been there.”
This evolving mindset goes hand in hand with Kyrie Irving’s maturation as an NBA player, something we’ve seen unfold right in front of our very eyes this season. With the role change from secondary option to franchise centerpiece, Irving’s game has been forced to transform right along with it, something he has accomplished seamlessly.
The point guard is becoming more aware that winning is ultimately the name of the game and all that matters, regardless of the stats you post on any given night.
Irving has always been one of the game’s most lethal offensive weapons but it’s been his increased devotion to the less glamorous end that has the Celtics perched as the top seed in an improved Eastern Conference. With a now mentally advanced Kyrie Irving leading the attack, this Boston Celtics team will go as far as their superstar point guard will carry them.
