IT seems there’s no love lost between Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics.

The 32-year-old suited up for the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at TD Garden as they took on the Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was met with boos from Boston Celtics fans in Massachusetts during Game 1 of the NBA FinalsCredit: Getty

Irving previously spent two seasons with the CelticsCredit: Getty

‘I thought it was gonna be a little louder in here,’ Irving told reporters post-gameCredit: X/NBATV

The game proved a brutal one for Irving and Co. who trailed by as much as 29 points during their eventual 107-89 loss.

Throughout the game, choruses of boos rang out around TD Garden in his honor.

Irving’s complex relationship with the Boston fanbase can be traced back to his two-year stint with the team earlier in his storied career.

Despite this, the eight-time All-Star seemed unphased post-game by either the result or the less-than-hospitable crowd.

“It’s basketball at the end of the day,” he said of the vocal crowd.

“Being in this environment, I’m used to it at this point.

“Earlier in my career, there was a different relationship that I had with Boston.

“Just being able to come here, be settled with a veteran group, now I’m here as the veteran.”

“Over the past few years, just experiencing the playoffs here, even the regular season it’s been the same thing – I thought it was gonna be a little louder in here.”

This comment will likely hit a nerve with the locals ahead of Game 2 on Sunday, which will also be held in Massachusetts.

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Regardless, an undaunted Irving clearly knows what to expect, and remains laser-focused on the task at hand.

“I’m expecting the same things going into Game 2, the crowd trying to get me out of my element, my teammates out of [their] element,” he admitted.

“But again the energy’s got to be focused towards the game.”

Irving said he and his teammates simply need to remain confident and poised moving forward, urging everyone to appreciate the bigger picture.

“This is the best time of the year to be playing,” he said.

“[There’s] only two teams left, let’s put it into perspective.

NBA Finals schedule

Thur 6 June – Game 1, 8.30pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Sun 9 June – Game 2, 8pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Wed 12 June – Game 3, 8.30pm ET – Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Fri 14 June – Game 4, 8.30pm ET – Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Mon 17 June – Game 5, 8.30pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

Thur 20 June – Game 6, 8.30pm ET – Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks

Sun 23 June – Game 7, 8pm ET – Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

“The environment’s going to be what it is, but my focus is on our gameplan and making sure my guys feel confident and I feel confident and continue to shoot great shots.”

Irving finished Game 1 with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists on what was a disappointing night from the Mavericks across the board.

Star guard Luke Doncic’s 30 points and 10 rebounds provided a glimmer of optimism ahead of Game 2, but such performances won’t make a difference in the long run if the Mavericks continue to struggle against center Kristaps Porzingis.

In his first game back since April 29, the Latvian totaled 21 points and six rebounds in just 21 minutes.

Game 2 is scheduled to tip off at 8pm ET on Sunday, before the Finals travel to Texas for Game 3 on Wednesday, June 12, and Friday, June 14.

Irving racked up 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists in Game 1 as the Mavericks lost 107-89Credit: Getty