Kyrie Irving, faced with an incredibly hostile environment in Boston, put on a great performance against his former team in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Irving, who played for the Celtics between 2017 and 2019, put on an absolute show against them. And while Irving was not able to help the Brooklyn Nets get the win, he did get some heavy praise from a player he has had a complex history with.
LeBron James was reacting to the NBA playoffs on Twitter throughout last night. LeBron James noted that Kyrie Irving was a gifted player, and too skilled. He then responded to a fan who lamented that Irving should have been part of the NBA’s 75 greatest players of all time list, which LeBron James agreed with, making the same statement in response.
Young God-rie is so damn good at basketball man!!! INSANE SKILL!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 17, 2022
Damn shame he ain’t Top 75! 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/jQyMvd0qXO
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 17, 2022
Young God-rie is so damn good at basketball man!!! INSANE SKILL!!
Damn shame he ain’t Top 75!
Kyrie Irving did have a great performance against the Celtics, scoring 39 points against the Celtics. But Irving’s behavior drew more attention from fans than his scoring outburst. The Nets guard was seen showing Celtic fans the middle finger multiple times, making hilarious gestures at fans, and was even caught on camera sharing some harsh words toward the Celtic fans in the crowd.
Irving responded after the game, noting that he would not hesitate to respond to fans who berate him, and would match that same energy. Kevin Durant, Irving’s teammate, spoke after the game about the abuse that Irving faced, noting that he wasn’t surprised by the degree of vitriol Irving was subjected to and dismissed it as part of the game and nothing more.
Irving will be more motivated than ever to continue his good form against the Celtics at Game 2 when the Nets return to the TD Garden to avenge their loss in Game 1.
