Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving credits Boston Celtics, not crowd, for Game 1 loss

NEW YORK – Getting back at the Boston Celtics – or more specifically, their fans – has been no easy task for Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving.

The Mavs’ 107-89 loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals on June 6 dropped him to 0-11 against his former team – the victims of a change of heart by the eight-time All-Star nearly five years ago.

Speaking to the Boston faithful at TD Garden in October 2018, Irving expressed his desire to re-sign with the Celtics once the free agency window opened eight months later.

But when the time came, on June 30, 2019, he chose the Brooklyn Nets instead.

Nearly half a decade has gone by since his decision, but it was clear that anyone wearing green and white at Game 1 has not forgotten about it.

Boos were among the kindest things Irving heard whenever he touched the ball, and his 12 points certainly were not enough to silence the crowd.

Still, he insists the chaotic atmosphere did not throw him off his game, as he looked ahead to Game 2.

“I felt like I had a lot of great looks. But they hit back rim or were just a little left or right,” said Irving, who played for two seasons in Boston, arriving in a trade from Cleveland in 2017 after claiming the title alongside superstar Cavaliers teammate LeBron James in 2016.

“The environment is going to be what it is. I’m expecting the same things going into Game 2 – the crowd trying to get me out of my element. But my focus is on our game plan and making sure my guys feel confident and I feel confident and continue to shoot great shots.”

That said, he missed all five three-point attempts in the hostile environment, did not attempt a free throw and his three turnovers out-paced his two assists.

The 32-year-old may have even added more fuel to the fire, noting that he imagined it would have been “a little louder” at TD Garden. However, he did praise the Celtics for consistently being the better team when going up against him.

“I don’t want to continue to make it a habit, but they’ve had a few games over me,” Irving admitted.

“You have to give credit to a good team. They have been good the past three or four years.”

Unlike Irving, Boston big man Kristaps Porzingis heard his own fans loud and clear.

The Latvian forward had not played since April 29, missing Boston’s previous 10 games due to a right-calf strain.

Porzingis was met with an overwhelming ovation, as Boston fans went into a frenzy when the former Maverick was shown making his way through the tunnel on the video board.

Once he emerged, the crowd became deafening, and he rode the enthusiastic atmosphere to a 20-point night off the bench and also finished with six rebounds and three blocks.

If having star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown was not enough, Boston now have Porzingis back as they seek to win their first championship since 2008.

Game 2 is on June 9 in Boston and the Celtics are raring to go, even if Tatum might be feeling the nerves a little bit.

“I was nervous (before Game 1). I ain’t gonna lie, I was nervous in an anxious way, like I was a little kid. It’s surreal being in the Finals,” he said.

“But we still have a lot of work to do.” REUTERS, AFP