Kyrie Irving Met With Huge Pregame Boos At TD Garden
The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks Finals series boasts an intriguing storyline, centered on Mavs All-Star Kyrie Irving.
LISTEN: OUTKICK's Alejandro Avila DISCUSSES NBA FINALS
Being one of the most hated athletes in Boston sports history, Irving was met with massive booing when he entered the arena at TD Garden for Game 1 on Thursday evening.
BOSTON - Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during 2024 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 5 at the TD Garden. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kyrie's hostile connection to Boston fans was palpable.
Everyone has eyes on Kyrie's return to TD Garden and how Irving can respond to the vitriol.
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It sounds as if TD Garden has yet to forgive Irving for criticizing the C's while he was on their roster and opting to leave Boston after just two seasons (2017-19).
During a postseason appearance with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, Irving flipped off the fans at TD Garden, facing off against the Celtics in a losing series for Kyrie and the Nets.
The 32-year-old guard acknowledged his rough connection with Celtics fans during media interviews leading up to Game 1.
Irving added a mature perspective to the rivalry with his old team.
"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. …
BOSTON - Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks speaks to the media during the NBA Finals Media Day at the TD Garden on June 5. (Photo by Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
"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."
He 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."
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