Celtics fans' hate for Kyrie Irving is going way too far amid Finals

Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals commenced, and in a game where the return of Kyrie Irving was spotlighted, we saw a complete game from the Eastern Conference champions; the Boston Celtics. Despite a late run, the Celtics defeated the Mavericks 107-89.

This game went back and forth for the first few minutes until the Celtics took the lid off and never looked back. Former Maverick Kristaps Porzingis had his most impactful game as a Celtic and his best playoff game.

It's no secret that animosity between teams, fanbases, and players has risen due to the storyline of individual players. The spotlight was bigger than ever on Kyrie Irving and his return to Boston. Unfortunately, Irving didn't have his best games and his play was contagious for other Maverick players.

Celtics fans' hate for Kyrie Irving rises as they beat up a Kyrie doll after Game 1

Celtics fans decided to celebrate their huge Game 1 win, but might've gone too far with their "celebrations."

Boston Celtics fans are seen stomping and yelling racial slurs as they beat up a Kyrie Irving blow-up doll.

This appalling behavior is why there's some distaste for Boston and its fans. The negativity from some Boston fans has been a thorn for NBA players and fans at times, and the above video doesn't do them any favors.

There have been numerous times when star players left their team, for example: LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. There's a way fans should handle these departures, and it doesn't involve what Boston did after Game 1.

We know the disdain for Irving will only get stronger in Boston, especially once he bounces back from his initial performance. Irving said he didn't think the Boston crowd was that loud in Game 1, but that may change in Game 2. Fans have every right to boo players, but what happened in Boston after Game 1 was unacceptable.

After a rocky Game 1 performance from the Mavs, the team looks ahead to Sunday where they hope to swing home-court advantage in favor by winning Game 2 and tying up the series. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage on Kyrie Irving and the NBA Finals.