Kyrie Irving responds to Celtics fans’ boos during the NBA Finals and says: ‘I thought they would be a little louder’

It appears there is no love lost between Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics.

The 32-year-old suited up for the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at TD Garden as they faced the Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

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The game was brutal for Irving and Co., who trailed by as many as 29 points during the final 107-89 loss.

Throughout the game, choruses of boos echoed through the TD Garden in his honor.

Irving’s complex relationship with the Boston fan base dates back to his two-year stint with the team early in his career.

Despite this, the eight-time All-Star seemed indifferent after the game, whether it was the result or the less-than-hospitable crowd.

“At the end of the day it’s basketball,” he said of the vocal crowd.

“Being in this environment, I’m used to it at this point.

“Earlier in my career, there was a different relationship I had with Boston.

“Just being able to come here, settle in with a group of veterans, now I’m here as a veteran.”

“The last few years, just experiencing the playoffs here, even the regular season, it’s been the same thing — I thought it would be a little louder here.”

This comment will likely resonate with locals ahead of Game 2 on Sunday, which will also be played in Massachusetts.

Regardless, a fearless Irving clearly knows what to expect and remains focused on the task at hand.

“I expect the same things in Game 2, the crowd trying to get me out of my element, my teammates out [their] element”, he admitted.

“But again, the energy needs to be focused on the game.”

Irving said he and his teammates simply need to remain confident and prepared to move forward, asking everyone to appreciate the bigger picture.

“This is the best time of year to play,” he said.

“[There’s] There are only two teams left, let’s put that in perspective.

“The environment will be what it is, but my focus is on our game plan and making sure my players feel confident and I feel confident and continue to make great plays.”

Irving finished Game 1 with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists in what was a disappointing night for the Mavericks.

Point guard Luke Doncic’s 30 points and 10 rebounds provided a glimmer of optimism before Game 2, but such performances won’t make a difference in the long run if the Mavericks continue to struggle with center Kristaps Porzingis.

In his first game back since April 29, the Latvian had 21 points and six rebounds in just 21 minutes.

Game 2 is scheduled to begin at 8pm ET on Sunday, before the finals travel to Texas for Game 3 on Wednesday, June 12th and Friday, June 14th.

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