The Boston Celtics have lost three straight games, and it's only helped widen the gap between the East-leading Toronto Raptors and them.

Following a Wednesday 129-119 night loss to the L.A. Clippers as part of ESPN's welcoming doubleheader, Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving took the blame squarely on his shoulders, despite putting up a game-high 33 points.

“Like I said, this is mainly on me,” said Irving, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. “[Help the team] collectively come together. It's a tough job, it's very lonely, but very rewarding at the end. Painting that picture is vital for our success.”

Irving shined on a night where his Celtics just couldn't hit enough shots to keep themselves in range down the stretch, going 6-of-26 on two-point shots through the game, despite making a splendid 15-of-31 from long-range.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Celtics News
Jrue Holiday in Blazers uniform, Anfernee Simons in Celtics uniform
Jrue Holiday trade grades for Celtics, Blazers after stunning dealJedd Pagaduan ·
Celtics and Blazers trade involving Anfernee Simons and Jrue Holiday with question marks and money.
Sources: Implications of Celtics-Blazers trade involving Jrue Holiday, Anfernee SimonsBrett Siegel ·
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) drives for the basket against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum.
Celtics pull off stunning Jrue Holiday trade for Blazers’ Anfernee SimonsMatty Breisch ·
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden.
Patriots rookie reveals Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla messageJaren Kawada ·
Featured image Jayson Tatum
Celtics teammate of Jayson Tatum gives ‘good spirits’ update amid Achilles recoveryDylan Fine ·
Kevin Durant attends the WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
NBA rumors: Insider floats Celtics involvement in Kevin Durant trade, with a catchOwen Crisafulli ·

Irving noted there should be a shift of focus after the All-Star break, reacting hungrily and chasing that No. 1 seed — which the Raptors now own with a two-game differential with Boston.

“Going into All-Star Break, I'm think about what's happening after; how we respond, and what we're doing after and how our focus is, where are mentally,” said Irving. “They will really be the difference. You gotta wanna it. I know I want that mother (bleeper).”

The Celtics have only gone 1-4 since Irving's return from injury, uncalibrated, and failing to take advantage of having their best player on the floor prior to the mid-February festivities. They will have their next chance to right the ship against the Detroit Pistons next Friday.