Boston Celtics fans have received a lot of criticism for hitting a blow-up doll with Kyrie Irving's face on it.
Celtics fans brought a blow-up doll with Kyrie Irving's face on it, chanting “f— Kyrie! f— Kyrie!” then throws the doll and hits it. pic.twitter.com/uDQ33GDwR0
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) June 7, 2024
Celtics fans hit Kyrie blow up doll 😳
(🎥 @2024Boston_ ) pic.twitter.com/6lHws7xQe0
– NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 7, 2024
The incident took place outside TD Garden before the first game of the NBA Finals and sparked outrage online:
We have to be better in Boston. A Kyrie doll with suspicious antics and a tongue we can't figure out. Let's practice respect. @wfa #final @Mavs_FFL pic.twitter.com/oV0n2Gchvy
— Jobin Panicker (@jobinpnews) June 6, 2024
The one who burned the jersey and also had a blow up doll with Kyrie's face y'all are childish asf and making the fans look bad, we will never be suspicious. #DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/EnHGYZlHPR
— Josh617 (@JoshConnolly69) June 7, 2024
Seems racist to me. But it's Boston 😌
— Black Beth Dutton 🥃 (@Oh_Katie_Babie) June 7, 2024
They have NEVER made accusations of racism
Holy moly— Taydanij (@taydanij) June 7, 2024
Illness
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) June 7, 2024
It provides discrimination…
– Kidd Kong (@kidd_kongmusic) June 7, 2024
Irving didn't talk about the incident after the game, but he did talk about the reception he received from Celtics fans inside the arena.
“It's just basketball at the end of the day,” he said. “Being in this situation, I'm used to it now. Early in my career, there was a different relationship I had with Boston, being able to come here and settle with a veteran team. Now, I am here as a veteran.
“A few years ago, I just experienced the playoffs here, even in the regular season, it was the same thing. I thought it would sound a little off here. But I expect the same things to happen in Game 2 – the crowd trying to get me out of my element, to get my teammates out of their element.
“But the energy must be focused on this game. I felt I had a very good look. It hit the rear edge, whether they were just left or right. I just have to stay confident and stay positive through all of this.”
Whether the crowd participated or not, Irving struggled on the field. He finished with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists on 6-19 shooting, as Dallas lost 107-89.
READ MORE: Boston Celtics Crush Dallas Mavericks as NBA World Reacts
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