The Boston Celtics' 105-103 loss to the Orlando Magic featured a frustrated Kyrie Irving that confronted teammate Gordon Hayward for what seemed to be a failed execution of the team's final play.
With 2.9 seconds left and the Magic up by two points, the Celtics had a chance to tie or win the game in the final possession. Hayward handed the inbounds pass to Jayson Tatum who missed a fadeaway jumper.
Irving seemed to want to know why Hayward didn't pass the ball to Al Horford, who was at the top of the key. Horford could've handed off the ball to Irving for a game-winning 3-pointer.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens confirmed to Boston reporter Chris Forsberg that one of the plans was indeed to have Irving take the last shot.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said that Kyrie Irving was one of the options on the final play but didn’t mind the look Jayson Tatum got. Said everyone will focus on last play but said team had too many rough patches before that point.
Irving has made a reputation as one of the most lethal scorers in clutch situations, and the fact that he didn't even touch the ball in the final play is indeed puzzling.
However, Tatum's shot wasn't bad either. The young Celtic has also proven that he can be relied upon during pressure-packed situations.
Another possible option for Boston, if Horford received the inbounds pass, was for him to take either a midrange jumper to tie or a step-back behind the arc and attempt a 3-pointer.
Horford is shooting a decent 35 percent from deep, although he didn't make any against the Magic.