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WATCH: Kyrie Irving comments on Boston Celtics fan behavior

by:Austin Brezina•04/17/22•

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Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving spoke after game one against the Boston Celtics about what fans did to prompt his obscene gestures to the crowd. The former standout from Duke scored 39 points in the loss, and was caught on camera twice giving Boston fans in the crowd the middle finger.

Kyrie Irving on Boston fans

Boston fans got the last laugh during the game as it ended on a last-second bucket from another former Duke star, Jasyon Tatum — but Irving wasn’t impressed with the hostile reception he received all game long. Irving could be seen twice on the broadcast giving the middle finger to Boston fans, clearly relishing his opportunity to “talk back” to them while he dominated on offense.

After the game, Irving was asked if the crowd motivated him, but Irving downplayed the effect they had on his game on Sunday.

“I mean, where I’m from I’m used to all the antics and people being close nearby. It’s nothing new when I come into this building what it’s gonna be like. But it’s the same energy they have for me, it’s gonna be the same energy I’m gonna have the for them. But it’s not every fan, I don’t want to attack every fan, every Boston fan — but when people start yelling “p***y,” and “b***h,” and “f*** you” and all this stuff. There’s only so much you can take as a competitor.

“And we’re the ones expected to be docile and humble, take the humble approach. That’s the playoffs, it’s what it is. I know what to expect in here and it’s the same energy I’m giving back to them. It is what it is. I’m not really focused on it, it’s fun. Again, where I’m from I’ve dealt with so much, so coming in here you relish it as a competitor. This isn’t my first time at TD Garden, so what you guys saw, what you guys think is entertainment, what fans think is entertainment — all is fair in competition. So if somebody’s gonna call me out on my name, I’m gonna look at them straight in the eye and see if they’re really about it. Most of the time they’re not.”