Five years after leaving Boston, Kyrie Irving will find the Celtics in the playoffs for the third time, and this time it will be in the NBA final. He knows that the public has never forgiven him for not having kept his promise to extend, but also for his behavior during his various returns and his various speeches.
After wiping his feet on the logo, declaring that there was racism in the stands, then comparing Celtics fans to a “spurned girlfriend,” the Mavericks leader bluntly gave two middle fingers to the public during Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs in 2022!
“Last time in Boston, not this regular season, but when we played in the playoffs, everyone saw me lose my temper a little bit, and it wasn’t a good reflection of who I am and the way I like to compete at the highest level”, Kyrie Irving told reporters. “It also wasn’t a good reflection of me teaching the next generation to control their emotions in that type of environment, no matter what people yell at you. I was made for these moments, to be able to handle circumstances like these, and I have been able to evolve since then. So of course it’s going to be a lively atmosphere, but I’m looking forward to it and I consider it a healthy relationship to have with the fans. »
Like a gladiator in the arena
For the leader, there is only one solution to spend a quiet evening: slip into the shoes of… Gladiator!
“I almost think of Gladiator, which won over the public. It’s good to hear TD Garden shut up when we play well.” continues Kyrie Irving. “People still respect basketball. Regardless of how much attention is going to be on me, I have a group to lead that is going to look to me for a voice of peace and to be able to control what I can control and help them through this time. »
In short, the All-Star point guard has grown a lot since his time in Brooklyn, and in Dallas, he has found a form of serenity which is reflected on the field and in his behavior off it.
“Since these events, I have been able to grow and recognize that I can handle things better, especially when I want to devote the majority of my energy to playing well. I can’t alienate the fans like that, even if it’s fun sometimes. But it’s a waste of energy. It’s a waste of time, and it’s also a waste of talent, to try to answer the questions people have about the past. »
