Kyrie Irving took the spotlight for the Boston Celtics in their Christmas Day showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at the TD Garden.
Irving erupted for 40 points in their 121-114 over their Eastern Conference rival. The All-Star point guard also added 10 rebounds. According to Chris Forsberg of NBC Boston, it was Irving's first 40-point, 10-rebound performance in his eight-year NBA career.
Celtics 121, Sixers 114 (OT)
Kyrie Irving with 40 points on 17-of-33 shooting, including two huge 3-pointers as part of a 13-1 run after Boston went down 5 early in OT.
Irving added 10 rebounds for the first 40-point, 10-rebound game of his career.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) December 26, 2018
Irving also hit several big shots against Philadelphia. The 26-year-old guard knocked down a 13-foot jumper with 20 seconds left to play to force an extra period, where he also had several daggers.
The 76ers looked poised to escape with a big road win after building a 113-108 lead in overtime. However, Irving has other plans in mind, as he knocked down two three-pointers in a huge rally for Boston en route to the win.
Article Continues BelowIrving revealed after the game that he was pumped up heading into their showdown with the 76ers. The one-time NBA champion, who erupted for 16 points in the opening period, had some extra inspiration in their Christmas Day game, according to Forsberg.
Kyrie Irving on his big Christmas day: “I told my teammates, I came in the locker room, I told them, ‘My family is here is to watch me play. I got 20-plus people from my family here and so I’m acting UP. Like, you guys have no idea, I’m so excited.’”
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) December 26, 2018
Jayson Tatum also had a big night for Boston, as he finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Morris also tallied 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field, while Terry Rozier added 10 points and five boards in 20 minutes of action off the bench.
With the win, the Celtics improved to 20-13 this season. It appears they have now overcome their mini-slump after their big wins against Philadelphia and the Charlotte Hornets. Before their two-game winning streak, Boston lost to the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and the Milwaukee Bucks, respectively.