Kyrie Irving reflects on Nets' 43-point loss to Celtics and difference between the teams: "We were just one of those teams in the way"

Kyrie Irving reflected on the Brooklyn Nets' 139-96 loss against the Boston Celtics, saying it's evident that there's a gulf between the two teams and that Joe Mazzulla's side are determined to win the championship.

Irving didn't hesitate to admit that the Nets felt like just another "one of those teams" the Celtics romped past during their 43-point beat down.

Here's what he told reporters (via Alex Schiffer) after the game:

"It’s clear as day that they want to win the championship and they're not wasting any time in the regular season. So tonight I just felt like we were just one of those teams in the way. We’ve got to be one of those teams that stands up to them."

The Brooklyn Nets were without superstar Kevin Durant, while the Boston Celtics were at full strength. Brooklyn got dominated in every aspect of the game. The Nets fell behind 46-16 in the first quarter and never recovered.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown put on an offensive clinic as the former scored 18 points and the latter scored 12 in the opening 12 minutes. They combined to shoot 11-of-16 from the floor, including 7-of-10 from three in that stretch.

Brooklyn made only six field goals and two threes, contributing to their 30-point deficit by the end of the first quarter. The Nets didn't lead the game at any stage and were outscored in every quarter. Kyrie Irving finished with 20 points on 50% shooting, while Cam Thomas added 19 for Brooklyn.

Kyrie Irving and company are still well away from matching Boston Celtics

The Brooklyn Nets have made a stellar midseason comeback, but still have along way to go if they want to be considered title contenders. After starting with a 2-6 record, the Nets went on a 25-7 run until Kevin Durant's injury.

KD sustained an MCL sprain against the Miami Heat on Jan. 8 and has missed the team's last 11 games. He is expected to be back before the All-Star break. The Nets have struggled in his absence, going 4-7 during that stretch.

Kyrie Irving has been on a tear, but it hasn't been enough. The Nets' decimating loss to the Celtics suggests they are still ways from challenging for a title run.

The Brooklyn Nets need to play to their potential more often, regardless of injuries. They still boast a deep roster, decent enough to give any team in the league a run for their money. Unless they find that consistency in the absence of their best player Kevin Durant, the Nets will remain inferior to other serious contending teams.