Kyrie Irving embraces ‘dark side’ as series villain in Boston
As most of his appearances at TD Garden since the end of his Celtics tenure have presented, Boston fans met Kyrie Irving with heavy boos and heckles during game one of the first-round playoff series between the Nets and Celtics on Sunday.
Throughout the game, Irving not only took the fanfare but also gave it back as well, mimicking fans and … gesturing … to the crowd.
Kyrie Irving gives middle finger to Celtics crowd 👀 pic.twitter.com/WxKGVwvw0r
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 17, 2022
“You guys like my haircut??” pic.twitter.com/7KxvLkxmcc
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) April 17, 2022
When asked about the back and forth with Boston fans, Irving was candid in his feelings.
“Embrace it,” Irving told reporters. “It’s the dark side. Embrace it.”
Part 2: “it’s the dark side, embrace it.” pic.twitter.com/ILCxBA09UM
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 17, 2022
Irving more than rose to the occasion as the villain, in addition to putting on a high-caliber scoring performance with 39 points, including clutch shots and 18 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the extra dramatics of his crowd interactions, Irving restated that the focus is on the court.
“There’s no hostility, bro,” Irving said. “It’s basketball.”
Irving’s scoring and antics from the fans will be headlines to follow as the series rolls on.
PHOTOS: Celtics beat Nets in Game 1 of their playoff series
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