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Boston Celtics: 5 keys to winning the East in 2019

By Tony Pesta

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 10: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Jayson Tatum #0 against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 10: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Jayson Tatum #0 against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 10, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Kyrie Irving

At the end of the day, this team will only go as far as Kyrie Irving takes it. He is the alpha male of this team and it will be his responsibility to guide the Celtics through the Eastern Conference.

As the only player with NBA Finals experience, Irving will absolutely be asked to lead this team. If his previous playoff runs are any indication, he shouldn’t have much trouble finding success.

This stat might be misconstrued due to the fact that Irving played with LeBron James, but Irving himself has never lost an Eastern Conference playoff series. He is a perfect 9-0 for his Eastern Conference series career and had reached three consecutive NBA Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In his last playoff appearance, Irving averaged a career-high 25.9 points and 5.3 assists a game. He has the special ability to catch fire and singlehandedly take over a game. When Irving is feeling himself, there is very little any opposing defense can do to stop him.

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His leadership skills will be tested this postseason. He has never had to perform in the playoffs without the help of James. This is Irving’s chance to prove himself as a superstar and I wouldn’t bet against him.

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