Kyrie Irving's return to Boston hasn't quite gone to plan, with his Mavericks suffering defeat in the first two games of the 2024 NBA Finals.
Irving has struggled thus far, following up a 12-point, 6-of-19 showing in Game 1 with a 16-point, 7-of-18 display in Game 2. The Celtics' gauntlet of perimeter defenders — namely Derrick White and Jrue Holiday — have proven formidable foes for the one-time NBA champion.
Despite his early-series wobbles, it appears Irving is still brimming with confidence. And as he strode off the floor following Dallas' Game 2 defeat, he made sure to let the anyone in green know it.
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As Irving walked off the floor, he rose his hand up to signal that the Mavericks will be returning to TD Garden's parquet court for Game 5.
Here's what you need to know:
Kyrie Irving guarantees Mavericks will make it back to Boston for Game 5
Following another subpar showing, Celtics fans draped Irving in jeers and "Kyrie sucks" chants as he attempted to slip into the locker room. The remarks seemed to get a rise out of Irving, who greeted fans with a five-finger gesture as he disappeared into the darkness — seemingly an indication that the Mavs would take care of business in Dallas and ensure the series returned to Beantown for Game 5.
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Check out the eye-catching exchange here:
Kyrie was spotted telling Celtics fans he'd see them for a Game 5 as he walked off the court last night 👀
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 10, 2024
📽️: kyriecenterig/TT pic.twitter.com/37ykjclOV5
Irving has faced plenty of criticism from Bostonians in the past after his contentious exit from the franchise back in 2019. And although things have simmered down in recent seasons, it seems the two parties still have no love for each other.
Irving's return to the Garden prompted some Boston fans to fire off 'F— Kyrie' chants ahead of Game 1. One fan created an effigy of Irving, only for him to beat up the life-sized doll outside the TD Garden gates.
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Irving admitted he "wasn't his best self" during his brief Celtics tenure. Fans appeared to take notice, deriding him whenever he would return with the Nets.
It seems the tradition has continued since Irving joined the Mavs. If Irving's guarantee were to backfire, you'd have to imagine Bostonians would never let him live it down.
Then again, they would probably also delight in having an opportunity to spew venom towards their foe on more time before the end of the season, too.
Decisions, decisions...