Ball Durham
Fansided

Duke Basketball: Kyrie Irving leads Boston Celtics to Game 1 win

By Kevin Connelly

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot while being guarded by George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter during Game One of Round Two of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum on April 28, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot while being guarded by George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter during Game One of Round Two of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum on April 28, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Boston Celtics have a one game lead on the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals thanks to the heroics of former Duke Basketball star Kyrie Irving.

A year ago, Kyrie Irving was not apart of the Boston Celtics’ series win over the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games in the First Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. However, on Sunday afternoon, Irving led everyone know he was on the floor.

Kyrie Irving led the charge for Boston in its Game 1 destruction of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum with 26 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. Irving shot 12-of-21 from the field and 2-of-5 from the 3-point line and did not visit the free throw line in the game.

More from Ball Durham

This is Irving’s first postseason with the Celtics as he missed the majority of the second half of the season and the playoffs with an injury. His last effort in the playoffs was a career best with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016-17 season.

In the Celtics’ sweep of the short-handed Indiana Pacers in the First Round, Irving averaged 22.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game after averaging 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assist per games in the regular season.

While playing 33 minutes in Boston’s 112-90 victory, Kyrie Irving was team high +20 while he was on the court.

The other former member of the Duke Basketball program that is on the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum, struggled in Game 1, only scoring four points, but did manage to secure six rebounds, three blocks, an assist, and a steal.

Tatum was 2-of-7 from field and missed his lone 3-point attempt, but still managed a +/- rating of +16 in 30 minutes of action.

Game 2 between the Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, and the rest of the Boston Celtics against the Milwaukee Bucks is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, at 8:00pm ET back at the Fiserv Forum and the game can be seen on TNT.

Home/Blue Devils in the NBA