Kyrie Irving heard the message from Boston Celtics fans loud and clear during the Dallas Mavericks' 138—110 loss on Friday night.
Boston fans, who showered Irving with boos and, at one point, a very loud "Kyrie sucks" chant, made it known that the ex-Celtics and current Mavericks star is still not welcome at TD Garden.
Irving, who spent two seasons in Boston from 2017 to ’19 before a somewhat, messy exit, took the harsh treatment from the Celtics fans in stride, justifying their emotions during a postgame session with the media.
Irving told reporters that Celtics fans "have a right to boo," while citing his recent lack of success against the team.
"They have a right to boo. From my career record against them in the last few games, I haven’t won so until I beat them, they have all the right to continue to boo. I think that’s what makes the theatrics of sports and competitive sports fun. Just gotta embrace it. It’s part of it," Irving said.
It's a marked difference in attitude from Irving towards Boston fans, whom he has drawn the ire of on multiple occasions since his departure, most notably for stomping on the Celtics logo following a May 2021 playoff game at TD Garden.
Irving, who endured a rough shooting night on Friday, later took to X, formerly Twitter, posting a message in which he stated he needs to "keep persevering through the hate."
The 12-year NBA veteran is averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 41.8 percent from three-point range in 38 games played for the Mavericks this season.
