Celtics vs. Bucks: Kyrie Irving Avoids Fine, Excited For Squad Addition

Kyrie Irving initially came hard at the officials after Boston Celtics 123-116 loss to Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals but later agreed that all the “emphasis” should not be on the refereeing. Many expected the point guard to be handed a fine by the NBA, but Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn revealed that there will be no penalty in the offing for Irving.

The Celtics point guard was unhappy with the officials after Game 3 when the Bucks went to the free throw line 17 times in the third quarter on their way to outscoring Celtics 40-31, which turned to be the differentiator in the game. Of the 17 free throws, more than half was taken by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who ended the game with 22 free throws.

“Guy comes down six times in a row and gets free throws… shot 22 in the game. It’s getting ridiculous,” Irving said after the game and believes the number of free throws simply slows the game down.

Antetokounmpo has scored a combined 40 free throws in the last two games and the Celtics will have to find a way of stopping the 2018-19 MVP favorite if they are to have a chance of progressing to the Eastern Conference finals. Irving admits that the team have to take some of the responsibility and is not laying the entire fault on the game officials.

“The refs have a difficult job. We have a difficult job. I can sit up here and complain. We know the disparity and what it is. I’m not going to put all the emphasis on the refereeing,” Irving added during his post-match press conference.

Meanwhile, on a positive front for the Celtics, shooting guard Marcus Smart’s injury status has been updated to questionable for Game 4 on Monday night. He has not played since April 7 after sustaining an oblique injury, but was cleared for full-contact practice late last week.

Initial diagnosis of the injury suggested that Smart will miss at least the first two rounds of the playoffs, but he seems to be making progress faster than expected. The shooting guard’s return will be a massive boost for the team, especially on the defensive side.

Irving, who has been leading the team against the Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals was delighted at hearing about the potential return of Smart. The point guard labeled Smart “a big part” of the team and said the shooting guard will make his job a lot easier on the court.

“It’s exciting. He’s a big part of our team. He alleviates a lot of different pressures out there throughout the game and makes my job a lot easier,” Irving said, according to Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.