BOSTON, Mass. – NBA player Kyrie Irving reflected on his time with the Celtics in the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Finals. As the Dallas Mavericks faced off against Boston in Game 5, Irving opened up about not fully embracing the culture and traditions of the Celtics when he was traded to the team in 2017. He admitted to feeling like an outsider due to his failure to fully immerse himself in the Celtics’ history and pride.
Irving’s return to Boston for the finals has been marked by mixed results, with the Mavericks trailing the series 3-1. Despite struggles with his shooting, Irving managed to score 35 points in a close loss during Game 3, breaking a losing streak his teams had against the Celtics since his departure.
As the series shifted back to Boston’s TD Garden, Irving anticipated facing chants of “Kyrie sucks” from the crowd, acknowledging that the taunts could be distracting. He recognized the psychological impact of such chants and emphasized the importance of silencing both external and internal doubts to perform at his best.
The animosity from Boston fans towards Irving can be traced back to his tumultuous final seasons with the Celtics, marked by broken promises, interpersonal conflicts, and a controversial sage-burning incident during his return to Boston with the Brooklyn Nets. Irving acknowledged making mistakes and the toll they took on his mental health, attributing some of his missteps to his initial approach to joining the Celtics.
Reflecting on his past decisions, Irving noted that he should have shown more respect for the Celtics’ history and sought guidance from the organization’s former players. Now, at age 32 and with a newfound perspective on managing expectations, Irving admitted to his shortcomings during his time with the Celtics.
Looking ahead, Irving expressed a desire to learn from his experiences and make amends, recognizing the need for a support system to navigate the pressures of playing for a storied franchise like the Boston Celtics. As Game 5 approached, Irving’s reflections on his time with the Celtics offered a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges he faced during his tenure with the team.