The jury always seems to be out on Kyrie Irving. Just days ago, Irving experienced a warm reception from the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the franchise and the player reciprocating the admiration of strong memories together. However, now, he has met with contrasting emotions in Boston, as the Dallas Mavericks face the top team in the league, the Boston Celtics.

During the player introductions, fans eagerly welcomed Dallas players, expecting an exciting game. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Kyrie Irving’s name was announced, triggering a thunderous eruption of boos. The crowd’s reaction highlights the lingering bitterness that stems from Irving’s heart-wrenching departure from the Celtics in 2019.

Undeterred by the fans raining down on him, Irving continued to focus on the upcoming game, dipping up his teammates. Whenever Irving steps into Boston, it feels like he’s facing more than just the opposing five players. Back when he sported the Celtics jersey, Kyrie had pledged to stay with the fanbase for the long haul. However, those promises took an unexpected turn when he expressed a desire to relocate to Brooklyn, citing the challenges of building a home for his family and finding his groove as Boston’s leader.

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Since the pivotal decision, the Celtics fans have not forgotten the perceived betrayal. Whether it’s the chorus of boos every time he touches the ball, or individual fans engaging in spirited trash talk directed at the guard, the soap opera goes on. Luckily, the Celtics found a measure of redemption by cruising past the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021-22 playoffs’ first round. Yet, the ongoing treatment suggests that the wounds from Kyrie’s departure stay even after half a decade.

Dallas vs Celtics can be a classic offense vs defense

Sure, the Boston Celtics proudly sit atop the NBA hierarchy, and their offense plays a significant role in that. However, the Dallas Mavericks enter the game armed with Luka Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring, and Irving, probably the game’s most gifted offensive player.

Beneath the surface, the Celtics not only showcase unity in their defensive strategies but also feature Jrue Holiday, often lauded as the best perimeter defender in the league. Moreover, Derrick White has recently elevated his game on both ends of the court, providing crucial help-support for Jrue.

Now, as Kyrie and Luka combine for over 60 points per game, the narrative shifts to how the Celtics plan to slow them down; and hopefully, put the clamps on them defensively. Furthermore, if the C’s manage to contain the Dallas offensive duo, will it reflect on their defensive acumen or expose shortcomings between Luka and Irving’s chemistry?