Following the Boston Celtics' 125-98 beatdown of the two-time NBA defending champions Golden State Warriors, Kyrie Irving addressed multiple issues surrounding the team during postgame interviews.

One of these issues is the rumored locker-room tension. Irving did not admit or deny anything, but he said it's important for the Cs to feel good about themselves and their roles with the team.

“With my attitude and with my effort, being able to give confidence to these guys is just as important as me being who I’m supposed to be. So as long as my teammates are feeling good then we’re in a good (place).”

The All-Star guard is the one who usually shows his frustrations with the team, but as a leader, he knows that Boston's morale begins with how he behaves on and off the court.

Irving is starting to speak and act like a leader, which is a good sign for the Celtics. It is worth noting that the main reason why he asked to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers two and a half years ago is so that he could become the alpha of his own team.

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He got that opportunity in Boston, but in some cases, he didn't look like the leader the franchise expected him to be.

In order for Boston to succeed, Irving needs to be mature, especially when the team is losing. They have what it takes to become champions, but they need to play together in order to achieve that goal.

And in order for the Celtics to play as a cohesive unit, they need a leader like Kyrie.

Or, they need Kyrie to be the leader.