Boston is 11-10 overall in their last 21 games but Irving diminished any criticism about the defending champions. “I like math because it has no emotions,” Irving said of Boston’s heavy 3-point shooting strategy. “Outside of JT and JB, when those other guys get it going like D-White and Jrue Holiday, that’s what makes them special and makes them great. Everyone kind of criticizes them based on what their season is this year, but if you look at their first 42 games, it’s pretty similar compared to last year. Maybe two years off. This is a well coached basketball team.”