Kyrie Irving sparked a firestorm of controversy on January 13th when he was caught on camera giving the Boston Celtics crowd some middle fingers. The world is watching how Kyrie will navigate this crisis, which could be one of his first major controversies in the NBA.
Kyrie Irving said he was keeping the same energy as fans with middle fingers to Boston Celtics crowd. This video shows how much fun Kyrie had in his return game. Read more in detail here: video of kyrie irving.
BOSTON (CBS) — When Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving turned off multiple Boston Celtics fans on two different times during Sunday’s 115-114 defeat in Game 1, he stated he was reacting to things he heard from the crowd.
Irving said after the game that he would have “the same intensity” for them as they had for him.
Irving remarked after scoring a team-high 39 points in 42 minutes, “Look, where I’m from, I’m accustomed to all these shenanigans and people being close by.” “It’s nothing new what it’ll be like when I go inside this building — but it’ll be the same energy they have for me, and I’ll have the same energy for them.”
“And it’s not every fan; I don’t want to go after every Boston supporter. When people start calling you names like p—-y, b——, and f—-, there’s just so much you can take as a competitor. We’re supposed to be meek and modest, to approach things in a humble manner, but f—- that, it’s the playoffs. That’s all there is to it.”
1 Related
Since departing Boston after the 2018-19 season, Irving, who played for the team for two seasons from 2017 to 2019, says he has grown used to being booed by Celtics fans. After numerous recent interactions over the previous couple of years, Irving has received even more ire from the fan base.
Irving said before the 2018-19 season that he intended to sign a long-term contract with the Celtics, only to change his mind at the conclusion of the season and join the Nets. Irving stood on the Celtics logo at center court after Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Celtics last season, and a fan threw a water bottle at him as he walked off the court.
Irving also stated there was “subtle racism” from the fans during the week before up to that game, conceding that he heard racial remarks in TD Garden at times.
After Sunday’s game, Irving stated, “I know what to expect in here.” “It’s the same energy I’m returning to them.” It’s just the way it is. I’m not really focused on it; it’s just for pleasure, you know? Coming in here as a contender excites me because I’ve battled with so much where I’m from. This isn’t my first visit to TD Garden, so whatever you saw, whatever you believe is entertainment, or whatever the fans think is entertainment, it’s all fair game.
“So if someone calls me out on my name, I’m going to look them in the eyes and see whether they’re serious about it. The majority of the time, they aren’t.”
Irving, who had been booed throughout the day, became enraged when a reporter inquired about the “hostility” from the Boston fans, emphasizing that this isn’t the first time he has screamed at a fan during a game.
“Because this is a big-time game, this is the first time you truly caught it,” Irving added. “I react in a variety of ways. I’m not trying to concentrate on it. Go ask the fans if you have any questions for me concerning the supporters. Ask people questions on the street.”
Irving was quick to respond when asked whether the ‘energy’ of the Boston fans brought out the best in him.
Irving said, “Embrace it.” “Accept it. It’s the other side of the coin. Accept it.”
Irving’s teammates and coaches were sure that he would perform at his best in such a situation.
Nets coach Steve Nash stated, “This is a man who’s hit the game-winning shot in the Finals.” “He’s competed in the Olympics before. He’s been to the All-Star Game and won the MVP award. I don’t think there are any environments that will faze him… if he has a bad night, he has a bad night. I don’t believe Kyrie will be affected by the crowd. This man has done pretty much everything there is to do in the game.”
Kevin Durant, the great forward for the Brooklyn Nets, remarked, “I don’t believe he thinks about it.” “I believe he just goes about his business and does what is expected of him. And tonight, the shot-making was outstanding, and we were able to completely dominate the game. And that’s what we’ll need in the future, so I believe he’ll be the same player no matter where he is.”
On Sunday, did Durant believe anything from the crowd went too far?
“I wasn’t really paying attention to the crowd,” Durant said. “We know they’ll turn there and cheer for their side, but we also know they’ll make Kyrie hear it as much as can. It’s just the way it is. It’s all a part of the game.”
Irving likened Boston fans to a “scorned girlfriend” after a defeat to the Celtics in early March, and he has emphasized leading up to this series that he believes it is time for supporters to move on from his brief stay in Boston. After Sunday’s game, he was asked whether he thought it was conceivable today.
“At this point, it doesn’t matter,” Irving remarked. “Let’s get started on the series by discussing our things and how we might improve. I’m not going to dwell on Boston’s history. I am a member of the Brooklyn Nets. I’m excited to be out there competing with my guys.”
Kyrie Irving says he’s keeping “same energy” as fans with middle fingers to Boston Celtics crowd. Reference: kyrie irving position.
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