“Would have showed my respect!” Kyrie Irving takes responsibility for strained relationship with Celtics fans 

Kyrie Irving's off-court decisions have often been scrutinized.

“Would have showed my respect!” Kyrie Irving takes responsibility for strained relationship with Celtics fans 

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has taken responsibility for the hostility he has been facing from Boston Celtics fans, admitting that his own actions during his time with the team are to blame. Irving acknowledged that he struggled to show the necessary respect and fully embrace the team’s culture, leading to a strained relationship with the fanbase.

Irving reflected on his stint with the Celtics ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, saying that he initially failed to meet the team’s expectations of fully committing to their traditions and values. He admitted that he didn’t show enough respect and didn’t have the right counsel around him to understand the pressure of playing for the Celtics.

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But yeah, it was just a doing to myself. And that's what I was talking about in terms of stepping to choices. But looking back on it, definitely would have showed my respect and had more of a counsel around me from Boston Celtics that came before me to explain what the pressure is like.
Kyrie Irving said in a press conference

Irving’s time in Boston was marked by injuries and a perceived lack of commitment, leading to frustration among fans who felt let down by his inability to fully integrate into the Celtics’ tradition. Despite his talent on the court, Irving’s off-court decisions have often been scrutinized.

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Now, as Kyrie Irving leads the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, he is determined to keep their hopes alive. Irving’s performance in the Finals has been commendable, averaging 21.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, as he strives to lead the Mavericks to a historic comeback.

Kyrie Irving embraces villain role in Boston as Mavericks face elimination

Kyrie Irving faces a tough test in the NBA Finals at TD Garden, where he’s struggled since leaving the Celtics in 2019. In the first two games, he averaged 14 points on 35% shooting, fueling the crowd’s animosity.

Irving acknowledged the villain treatment, saying the fans’ chants are a psychological tactic. He recognized that his own struggles add to the pressure but is determined to silence doubters as he doesn’t expect to be celebrated by everybody, as he is focused on leading the Mavericks to victory.

I think in order to silence even the self-doubt, let alone the crowd doubt, but the self-doubt when you make or miss shots, that's just as important as making sure I'm leading the team the right way and being human through this experience, too, and telling them how I feel.
Kyrie Irving added

Irving regrets his past behavior, including flashing his middle finger and stepping on the Celtics’ logo. He wishes he had shown more respect for the team’s history and connected with players from their championship teams. Now, he’s focused on leading the Mavericks to a comeback.

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