Boston Celtics: 3 bold statements team lived to regret in 2019

Kyrie’s “no one can beat us in a 7-game series” talk

The bold statement award for the 2018-19 NBA season has to go to Kyrie Irving.

More frustrating to Boston Celtics fans other than Irving constant free agency rumors and battle with the media was his nonchalant approach to the regular season.

Sure, the Celtics had the talent to be great.  As we found out during the 2018-19 season, talent means nothing without chemistry.  It also means nothing when the leader is struggling to learn how to lead.

Other than calling out his young teammates through the media and reconciling with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving made an overconfident statement about his team that anyone connected to the Celtics had to know wouldn’t bold well.

Following a loss to the Chicago Bulls in February, Irving reinforced something he said earlier in the season downplaying his team’s struggles against lesser opponents.

"“…I don’t get frustrated about his stuff anymore.  It’s just part of the regular season.  In the playoffs, when we plan for a team, prepare for a team, I still don’t see anybody beating us in seven games.”"

Kyrie Irving was partially right.  When the Boston Celtics followed the plan and came prepared for games, they were undefeated in the playoffs.  Unfortunately, the bad Celtics team showed up after a 5-0 start in the postseason and made Irving’s claim devalue fans confidence in him as a big-game performer.

That’s why in Boston sports, players and coaches typically do the talking on the court, field, hockey rink or baseball diamond.