With the NBA Finals just days away from tipping off, the top storyline between the Celtics and Mavericks will likely be Kyrie Irving’s return to Boston. That’s natural considering how much history there’s been between both sides. Irving played for the Celtics from 2017-19, but ever since he left, it’s been a heated back-and-forth with the TD Garden fans.
So as Game 1 is set for 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Boston, Irving is all but guaranteed to hear jeers from Celtics fans. But in speaking Monday ahead of the Mavericks heading to Boston, Irving showed some regret and remorse to how he acted the last time he played in front of C’s fans in a high-stakes environment. He referenced Game 1 of the 2022 first round when he flipped off the fans, which resulted in getting fined from the league.
“Last time in Boston, I don’t think that was the best — not this regular season but when we played in the playoffs — and everyone saw me flip off the birds and kind of lose my (expletive) a little bit,” Irving told reporters in Dallas. “That wasn’t a great reflection of who I am and how I like to compete on a high level. 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.”
BetMGM BET UP TO $1,500! BONUS BET REFUND AFTER A LOSS
STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21 years of age or older to wager. MA Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days from issuance. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. US Promotional Offers not available in New York.
Irving has avoided the controversial headlines ever since he was moved from Brooklyn to Dallas last trade deadline. Even in his last game in Boston as a Net — just days before getting traded — he said the fans had the right to boo him and didn’t stir the pot too much. That hasn’t always been the case for Irving, who’s had his share of polarizing moments throughout his 13-year playing career.
Now, Irving has played some of the best basketball of his career for the Mavs, leading to their first NBA Finals berth since Dallas won it all in 2011. He’s considered a massive leader for the Mavericks as Irving has slid in nicely alongside superstar guard Luka Doncic. So while he said he understands the attention he’s getting ahead of his Boston return, he also sounds like someone looking to flip the page.
Regardless, Celtics fans will be ready for Irving once he’s back on the parquet. To Irving’s credit, it sounds like he won’t be antagonizing the Garden crowd throughout the series. But it’ll be interesting to see what Irving’s reception sounds like in Boston and how he reacts to the vitriol.
“I’m built for these moments to be able to handle circumstances like that, and I’ve been able to grow since then,” Irving said. “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 to have with the fans. … It’s good to hear the TD Garden silent when you’re playing well. They still respect great basketball.”
