NBA Playoffs: Kyrie Irving warns about crowd racism ahead of Boston return

Kyrie Irving warns about crowd racism ahead of Boston return

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets is defended by Evan Fournier #94 of the Boston Celtics in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center at Barclays Center on May 22, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Kyrie Irving hopes fans keep it all ball on Friday night for game three between his Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics.

Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving is already expecting the worst from Boston fans. The former Celtic did not hesitate to send a warning when asked about returning to TD Garden for game three on Friday.

Irving pointed at both subtle and not-so-subtle racist comments made by Boston fans in the past and politely asked the crowd to stick to basketball.

Kyrie Irving on going back to Boston for Games 3 and 4: “Hopefully we can keep it basketball, no belligerence, subtle racism, people yelling sh-t from the crowd.” If it happens? “It is what it is.” #Nets #Celtics #NBA
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) May 26, 2021

Irving has clearly experienced crowd racism in Boston in the past, but he knows he’s not alone.

“I’m not the only one who can attest to this,” Irving told Malika Andrews of ESPN. “The whole world knows it.”

Kyrie Irving, in part, on returning to TD Garden for Game 3: "Hopefully we can just keep it strictly basketball, there's not belligerence or racism going on. Subtle racism... I'm not the only one who can attest to this... The whole world knows it."
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) May 26, 2021

NBA Playoffs: Kyrie Irving hopes for no crowd racism in Boston return

Irving also knows his request to keep it about basketball may be denied, and seems somewhat resigned to that being the case. A seven-time All-Star, Irving is no stranger to adversity. With his Nets up 2-0 in the series so far, expect him to take the high road and let his play do the talking.

If Twitter is any litmus test for what to expect Friday, some fans are already warning Irving to bring earmuffs to the Garden. Others, presumably of the green-wearing variety, say he’s just making his excuses in advance.

Here at FanSided, we stand with Irving in this case. Racism has no place in sports.

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