The Boston Celtics supporters jeered Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving whenever he had the ball during last night’s (3/1) game at TD Garden. However, the NBA champion appeared unfazed by the reception. Irving, who played for the Boston Celtics for two seasons from 2017 to 2019, was quoted by The Athletic as saying, “It’s been six years; you gotta love it.” “They’re entitled to boo, and rightly so.

I haven’t been winning in the last few matches, which doesn’t align with my career achievements. They can continue to boo until I manage to win against them. In my eyes, that’s what adds excitement to competitive sports and their dynamics. Embracing it is just part of the game.” Before the commencement of the 2018-19 season, Irving assured Celtics supporters that he would extend his contract with Boston during the summer of 2019. However, he reneged on his promise and opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets instead.

Since then, Irving has faced jeers and taunts from Celtics fans each time he plays in Boston. In the initial round of the 2021 NBA playoffs, a Boston supporter hurled a water bottle at Irving as Nets players were exiting towards the locker room. Additionally, Irving deliberately stamped his foot on the Celtics logo in 2021.

“Obviously, we’re all aware of what transpired,” remarked Celtics star Jayson Tatum. “But that’s in the past; it’s been a couple of years. I maintain a positive rapport with him, as do a few of us who played alongside him and are still here. We’ve collectively moved on, though it’s understandable that fans are fervent, resulting in incidents like that. However, none of the players harbor any resentment towards Ky or the situation.”

The Celtics secured a victory over the Mavericks with a final score of 138-110. Irving concluded the game with 19 points, shooting 9-of-23 from the field and 1-of-7 from three-point range.