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[Saba Sports News] Kyrie Irving recently took responsibility for the hostility he faces from Boston Celtics fans, acknowledging his own actions during his time with the team. Reflecting on his stint with the Celtics ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Irving admitted he struggled to show the necessary respect and fully embrace the team’s culture, leading to a strained relationship with the fanbase.
“You have to show your respect here, and I think that’s where I struggled initially. To be a great player here, it’s about winning championships and leading the team. They expect you to seamlessly buy into the Celtics’ pride, and if you don’t, you’ll be outed. I did it to myself. They don’t welcome me with a warm embrace, even though I know a lot of people in the organization and my friends are still here. Looking back, I would have shown more respect and sought more counsel from Celtics who came before me to explain the pressure.”
Irving highlighted that Celtics fans expect players to wholeheartedly commit to the team’s traditions and values, which include a deep sense of pride and a relentless pursuit of championships. His failure to meet these expectations contributed to the growing discontent among fans.
During his tenure with the Celtics, Irving was seen as the potential cornerstone of a championship team. However, his time was marked by injuries and a perceived lack of commitment, leading to increasing frustration among fans. Irving expressed regret over not having a better support system in Boston, acknowledging that guidance from former players might have helped him understand the immense pressure and expectations.
Currently, Kyrie Irving is striving to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a historic comeback in the NBA Finals, where they are down 3-1. His performance has been commendable, averaging 21.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game, showing his determination to keep the Mavericks’ hopes alive after they avoided elimination in Game 4.
Despite the fallout with Celtics fans, Irving remains a polarizing figure, respected for his on-court talent but often scrutinized for his off-court decisions. As he battles to extend the Mavericks’ season, his reflections on past mistakes highlight a player continuously learning and evolving. While his chapter with the Celtics is filled with regret, Irving’s journey is far from over, and his quest for redemption continues on the grand stage of the NBA Finals.