No longer thinking about a long-term future in Boston, Kyrie Irving gave a finger-salute to Celtics fans.
Irving appeared to show the bird to the TD Garden crowd on Sunday during his playoff return to City. The former Celtic was eventually set to sign an extension and stay in Boston long-term, but instead opted out of that route and joined Kevin Durant in Brooklyn.
At the time, Irving, citing the recent death of his grandfather, wanted to be closer to his New Jersey hometown for the move.
Drama has followed Irving to the networks, most recently with his falling out with Mayor Eric Adams over the COVID-19 vaccine. And there’s certainly no love lost between Irving and the Boston fans who booed him on Sunday.
Irving’s full-time return late last month gave the Nets a big boost ahead of the postseason. Despite having a disappointing record in the regular season, Brooklyn made it through the play-ins by beating Cleveland.
This prepared Irving for a return to Boston in front of a hostile crowd.
Irving also exchanged words with Celtics fans in the tunnel.
Warning: Explicit language
Irving scored 39 points in the Nets’ Game 1 loss to the Celtics. Game 2 takes place in Boston on Wednesday.