In a surprising turn of events during the 2024 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving's performances in Boston left much to be desired, leading to questions about his ability to handle the pressure. The Celtics' dominant showing throughout the series overshadowed Irving's lackluster performances on his former home court. National outlets, including Stephen A. Smith, have criticized the star player for his subpar showing in front of Boston fans.

Smith, on "First Take" recently, highlighted Irving's performances during the three games in Boston, describing them as "horrific." He claimed that the city, its fans, and the persistent chants of "Kyrie sucks" had a profound impact on Irving's mentality, leading to a notable decline in his performance. Smith further emphasized that Boston seemed to have gotten in Irving's head, affecting his ability to play up to his usual standards.

Looking at the home/road splits, Irving's struggles in Boston are evident. The stark disparity between his performances in his former home court and on the road have raised concerns for the Mavericks and their fans. As they enter the drawing board to prepare for next season, Irving and the team will need to address these issues if they hope to contend for the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2025.

The Mavericks will undoubtedly be analyzing Irving's performance in Boston closely, seeking ways to improve his approach and mindset in high-pressure situations. Whether it be through mental conditioning, strategy adjustments, or building team chemistry, it is clear that there is room for growth.

It remains to be seen how Irving and the Mavericks will respond to this critique and how they plan to bounce back. The 2024 NBA Finals served as a learning experience for the team, highlighting areas that require improvement. As the offseason progresses, the Mavericks will undoubtedly work diligently to address these concerns and ensure that their star player is better equipped to handle intense atmospheres.

Ultimately, it is in the best interest of the Mavericks to hope that they do not meet the Celtics again in the NBA Finals. The lingering effects of Irving's struggles in Boston could prove detrimental to the team's chances of hoisting the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy. The offseason becomes crucial for Irving and the Mavericks as they aim to make adjustments, fine-tune their strategies, and come back stronger in the next NBA season.