Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Discusses Growth Since Rough Celtics Days
Kyrie Irving finally landed in the right situation after a tough stretch of jumping NBA teams.
Irving's complementary role on the Dallas Mavericks helped elevate the Western Conference contender to the NBA Finals this postseason, forming a formidable 1-2 offensive punch with the ascending Luka Doncic.
One of Kyrie's stops before landing in Dallas was joining the Boston Celtics for two seasons (2017 to 2019). Irving was a despised character when he left Boston and continued his beef with C's fans after leaving.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Facing Boston in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, former Brooklyn Net Kyrie Irving flipped off the home crowd at TD Bank.
Looking to reunite with the Boston faithful for his upcoming Finals series against the Celtics, Irving hopes he can enter this series with an improved attitude.
Speaking at Mavericks practice on Monday, Irving reflected on his contentious connection to Boston fans.
"I think I'm better at consolidating the emotions now or being aware of what it's going to be like," Irving shared on Monday.
Kyrie's contributions on offense and stunningly on defense fueled Dallas' impressive three-series stretch to reach the Finals. Dallas defeated a superior Clippers roster in the first round in six games. In the second round, the Mavericks dethroned the top-seeded Western Conference team in Oklahoma City. In the Western Conference Finals, Dallas upset the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were coming off an upset over the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.
In 17 games this postseason, Irving is averaging 22.8 points and 5.2 assists. Irving boasts a ridiculous 115.4 defensive rating in these NBA Playoffs.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates the game winning basket as Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the fourth quarter of Round 1 Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Nets 115-114. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Irving anticipates a rowdy crowd waiting for him in Boston.
"We call it animosity, we call it hate, we call it, 'It's going to be hell in Boston.' I mean, there are real, live circumstances going on in the world that are bigger than basketball, kind of the competitive side of things and answering those questions. …
"It was just a chapter in my life that I got to enjoy for the most part. We had a great opportunity to do some special things, but it was cut short, just based off personal reasons on my end."
Irving also reflected on giving C's fans the bird. "It wasn't a great reflection on my end towards the next generation on what it means to control your emotions in that type of environment, no matter what people are yelling at you."
Irving sounded determined to win: facing a chance to win a second NBA championship, solidify himself as a top NBA guard and add to his legacy beyond the glory days in Cleveland.
"I'm built for these moments, to be able to handle circumstances like that, and I've been able to grow since then. So of course it's going to be a hectic environment, but I'm looking forward to it and I see it as a healthy relationship that I have with the fans. I almost think about 'Gladiator,' just winning the crowd over. It is good to hear the TD Garden silent when you're playing well. They still respect great basketball."
The NBA Finals tip off on Friday.
(Who will win the series? Boston Celtics or Dallas Mavericks? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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