Boston Celtics enthusiasts have a complex relationship with Kyrie Irving, highlighted by their reaction after clinching their second NBA Finals spot in the last three seasons.
The Celtics ousted the Indiana Pacers with a 105-102 victory in Game 4, sweeping the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In celebration, several Boston fans filled the streets, erupting into a chant mocking Irving as his team, the Dallas Mavericks, stood on the brink of reaching the Finals.
“Kyrie sucks! Kyrie sucks!” was the chant from the crowd.
Irving, who played for Boston from 2017 to 2019, had previously expressed a desire to retire his jersey in Boston before his departure to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.
The eight-time All-Star has had multiple contentious interactions with Celtics fans since then, including an incident where he disrespected the team’s logo during a 2021 playoff game against Brooklyn. Irving has also likened the Boston fans’ reactions to those of a scorned ex-girlfriend.
With the Minnesota Timberwolves needing a significant turnaround to prevent it, Irving’s potential return to Boston could be a major narrative of the 2024 NBA Finals.
