The Boston Celtics find themselves in a 3-1 hole in their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Milwaukee Bucks following a 113-101 loss at home in Game 4.
TAKEAWAYS: Giannis scores 39 points as Bucks take commanding 3-1 lead
Despite facing an elimination game on the road in Milwaukee, Kyrie Irving says the Celtics confidence levels remain high.
"That's unwavering," Irving replied when asked of the Celtics confidence post-game.
"It's a game of basketball. At this point we obviously understand the Xs and Os, now it's just going out and trying to manage the game better. We tried to do that the last few games, tonight the third and fourth quarter is where they made their money as well as in the second holding us to 19 [points].
"They're doing a great job of making us make multiple efforts on both ends of the floor, putting us in some positions, putting some guys on different guys and driving the basketball to the rim, getting open layups, making the game easy for one another, they feel good about themselves and you know you gotta break a rhythm like that and we failed to do so at certain points in the game when they've gone on runs and it's shown."
Hear from Kyrie after the Celtics lose 113-101 in Game 4. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/K6lT8ULVTX
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 7, 2019
Irving's struggles shooting the ball continued in Game 4, going 7-of-22 from the field for his team-high 23 points, bringing his shooting numbers from the past three games to 19-of-62 (30.6%)
Kyrie Irving went 7-22 FG, 1-7 3P for a 34.1 eFG% - his worst in a home playoff game in his career. #MILvsBOS
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 7, 2019
📊 https://t.co/Wku526FUyd pic.twitter.com/JyrQkLcXPd
Irving is shooting just 36.9% from the field for the series and 24% from three (6-of-25). While his shot selection has come under question, the 27-year-old isn't fazed by the slump.
“Who cares? I’m a basketball player," Irving said of his shooting numbers. "Prepare the right way. The expectations on me are going to be sky high ... for me, the 22 shots? I should’ve shot 30."
The Celtics will go as far as Irving will take them in the post-season and no-one knows better than him what it takes to come back from 3-1 down.
Will he be able to right the ship in Game 5?