NBA playoffs 2019: Kyrie Irving — There's 'nothing like' delivering for the Celtics in the post-season

Having been made to wait for his playoff debut with the Celtics, Kyrie Irving is enjoying the series against the Pacers.

Published : Apr 18, 2019 18:43 IST

Kyrie Irving felt his 37-point display for the Celtics against the Pacers represented the end of a "long journey" back from injury.

The former Cavaliers star is playing for the Celtics in the playoffs for the first time in this series, having been ruled out of the post-season with a knee issue in his first season in Boston in 2017-18.

The 27-year-old point guard was a regular thorn in the Celtics' side in the playoffs while with the Cavs, but on Wednesday he led Boston to a 2-0 series lead over the Pacers with a 99-91 win in Game 2.

This performance was a long time coming for Irving, and he said there was "nothing like" the feeling of turning it on for Boston.

"It was pretty peaceful," he told reporters. "I'm just happy to be able to be part of a lineage of great players that have put on some unbelievable performances here in the TD [Garden] as well as the old Garden.

"It's really special to know that the fans here are rooting us on. They want everything to be perfect — it's not the reality of the game, but we do our best to go out there and lay it all out there on the line.

"We throw ourselves into the game and hope for some great results. You've got to have some honest resolve.

"It felt good, good to be here in this position, playing in this arena. It's been a long journey from having those two knee surgeries and watching the team last year.

"Now I'm finally getting the chance to lay some up for the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. There's nothing like it."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment