The TD Garden crowd created a hostile environment for Kyrie Irving during the NBA Finals Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Considering the Mavs guard’s sour relationship with the Boston loyalists, the reception was anticipated. Their boos and chants helped the Celtics to keep Uncle Drew from showing his skills. On seeing the Mavs fall apart in the game, Stephen A. Smith highlighted Draymond Green’s past experience with the rowdy Boston fans.
While discussing Irving’s contribution to Thursday night’s game on “The Stephen A. Smith Show”, the veteran analyst pointed out, “Kyrie was rattled by that Boston Celtics crowd.” Mentioning a similar situation that the Warriors defensive mastermind was a part of, Smith said, “Just ask Draymond Green about how they treated him two years ago.” (After 5:30)
During a finals game, when Green visited the Boston arena with the GSW, he couldn’t handle the rattling of the crowd that ridiculed him in every possible way. Unable to concentrate on the plan, the 4-time champion could only manage to put up 2 points.
Irving tried to provide offensive support to Luka Doncic and the team and hit 19 shots from the field, but most of his shots stubbornly refused to hit the mark, and only 6 went through the bucket. However, none of his 3-pointers worked against the Cs.
The 8-time All-Star finished the night with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and steals each in the 89-107 defeat. Though he felt the crowd wasn’t as loud as he had expected, they did well in restricting the 32-year-old.
Before the game, Smith had pleaded with the Cs faithful to ignore his past actions and move forward. However, it was of no use.
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Stephen A. Smith Makes Desperate Plea for Kyrie Irving
Despite criticizing Kyrie Irving’s previous off-court actions, Stephen A. Smith now wants the fans to focus on his game and forget his past mistakes.
During the pregame “Countdown”, Smith politely stated, “The way that he’s worked on his game, and himself, he’s earned the right for us to ignore all the mistakes that he made and move forward. Not ignore it like it didn’t happen. But look. That was the past. We all make mistakes.”
Even though Irving has always been regarded as one of the outstanding players in the league, his retaliatory act towards the Celtics fans and promotion of an antisemitic film has gotten him into trouble. To lead the Mavs to victory, Irving has to create more intensity on Sunday for Game 2.
Also Read: Kyrie Irving Steps Onto the Court in Style With KAI 1 Speed “Twin Flame” for Game 1
