We all know how a bitter breakup can leave lasting scars, and Kyrie Irving’s relationship with the Celtics was no different. Over time, it turned toxic, with fans turning on him, greeting him at TD Garden with boos so harsh they could shake anyone’s confidence. Kyrie couldn’t manage to win a single game in that building, no matter who he played for. But now, the curse has been lifted and with it, Kyrie has finally broken his silence on the matter.
On Wednesday, the Mavericks sort of avenged their NBA Finals defeat to the Celtics with a 127-120 win, giving Kyrie his first-ever victory at TD Garden in four years. Naturally, it became a hot topic during the postgame press conference, and the veteran guard was asked about ending the streak. “To be honest with y’all, we’re just trying to keep it as another game,” Kyrie told the media. “But I’ll be lying to you guys if I say I’m not aware of the record I have in this building since 2020 or 2021. It’s more of a motivation factor for me than anything now, because they’re the best of the best.”
The joy is even sweeter as Boston is the reigning champion and defeating them felt like the ultimate cherry on top. He further sent a challenging message to Jayson Tatum and the Celtics, saying, “This is what competitive basketball, about competitive sports, is just continuing to get better, and going against the best of the best, and coming out with the W, doing whatever it takes to win.”
Kyrie Irving said he’d be “lying” if he said he wasn’t aware of his record at TD Garden, but says, “It’s more of a motivation factor for me than anything now. Because they’re the best of the best, they’re champions in our league until another champion is crowned.” pic.twitter.com/J9B4jih0Ng
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 8, 2025
The last time Kyrie won in Boston, with the Nets during the 2021 Playoffs’ first-round Game 4, he stomped on the team’s center court logo in celebration, a move that only fueled the fans’ fury. But this time, he was careful not to repeat any such mistake.
This is a developing story…
The post “Whatever It Takes”: Kyrie Irving Issues a Stern Challenge to Jayson Tatum & Co. 6 Years After Ugly Celtics Breakup appeared first on EssentiallySports.