Boston Celtics star point guard Kyrie Irving will miss one of the team's two games against the Utah Jazz in November. It will be a road game versus Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz on Nov. 9, with Utah paying visit to Boston on Nov. 17.

Irving told the media about this decision after a 108-105 win against the Detroit Pistons. The 6-foot-3 spitfire guard exploded for 31 points, dished off five assists and grabbed five rebounds. It was Irving's most productive game this season after a sluggish start, including a three-point performance against the Pistons the game before.

The Pistons game could be Irving's answer to Celtics TV analyst Tommy Heinsohn's comments that the five-time All-Star looks overweight and unmotivated at the start of the season. But Irving did not take offense to the criticism and even used that as a reality check, per ESPN's Jackie MacMullan.

“It was the truth. I had to get in better shape, I had to become more dedicated to what I was doing. I was on the bike the next morning doing everything possible to prepare my body.”

Furthermore, maybe some credit can be given to Irving's new haircut.

While Irving's absence could hurt the Celtics in more ways than one, the team knows how to play well without him. Head coach Brad Stevens will insert Terry Rozier in the starting lineup and emphasize Marcus Smart in a playmaking role on the second unit when Kyrie Irving sits.