During Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving faced intense hostility from Boston Celtics fans, who repeatedly chanted 'Kyrie Sucks!' throughout the first half. The animosity was further fueled by Irving's recent comments referring to the basketball culture in Boston as a 'cult.' In a notable moment, Irving dove into the ESPN broadcast table to save a loose ball, drawing both attention and more jeers from the crowd.
Kyrie dove into the stands and the ESPN booth to save the ball https://t.co/pDIG0oFpCz
Kyrie Irving goes flying into ESPN's broadcast booth while saving a loose ball 🫣 https://t.co/KWsMnG4idN
“KYRIE SUCKS” chants booming thru Boston tonight https://t.co/04QzusUxZj
Kyrie fell into the stands to save this ball 😳 #NBAFinals https://t.co/g8cFDlKBOs
Kyrie goes into the ESPN broadcast table saving the ball https://t.co/wUxWCewS0L
Celtics fans chant ‘Kyrie Sucks!’ moments after he went flying over the ESPN broadcast table diving for a loose ball and needed a minute to recover. (via @TomerAzarly) https://t.co/SkiZ0uNt8y
Celtics fans talking about Kristaps Porzingis like: https://t.co/cDPQ0rPlwG
Another ‘Kyrie Sucks!’ chant in the first half of Game 5. (via @TomerAzarly) https://t.co/zsihznH8e3
The 'Kyrie Sucks' chants are underway, not quite four minutes into the ballgame. Yesterday, Mr. Irving - further endearing himself to the Celtics faithful - referred to the vibe and tradition around basketball in these parts as a "cult."