Kendrick Perkins warns Celtics fans to leave Kyrie Irving alone before potential NBA Finals showdown
"We’re talking about the most skilled player in my eyes to ever touch the basketball.”
The 2024 NBA Finals have not officially been set.
But the writing is on the wall that the Boston Celtics will battle against a familiar antagonist in Kyrie Irving next week with Banner 18 on the line.
With the Celtics and Mavericks both holding commanding 3-0 series leads in their respective conference finals matchups, either the Pacers or Timberwolves would have to become the first team in NBA history to claw back from a 0-3 deficit and win a round in order to interfere with a seemingly inevitable Boston-Dallas showdown.
There will be no shortage of compelling storylines if the Celtics and Mavericks battle for a title — with Irving’s history with Boston standing at the forefront of those narratives.
The uber-skilled guard is arguably one of the most loathed athletes in recent Boston sports history, with the former Celtics star turning himself into a heel after leaving the team during free agency in 2019 — and clashing with Celtics fans during playoff meetings in 2021 and 2022.
But even with the expected drama (and boos) that await Irving if the Mavericks and Celtics due to meet in the Finals, former Celtics big man Kendrick Perkins offered a warning to Boston fans intent on making Irving’s life miserable every time he steps onto the parquet floor.
“OK, boo him, do whatever you want,” Perkins said on “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on Monday. “But please, I’m warning you guys, do not take it over. Leave him alone. … We know that they’re going to boo him. But the excessive thing, like the things where fans gotta get escorted out the arena. Leave him alone. I’m telling y’all, it’s for y’all best interest. Leave that man alone. That man is playing his (expletive) off. He’s on a mission.”
There’s no doubting Irving’s talents on the court, as the 32-year-old guard is one of the most gifted scorers and ball handlers in NBA history.
He’s playing some of the best basketball of his career during this run with the Mavericks — averaging 22.4 points per game and shooting 49.2% from the field as Dallas’ No. 2 scoring option behind Luka Doncic.
Still, the Celtics have had Irving’s number over the last few seasons — winning 10 straight games against Irving dating back to his time with the Brooklyn Nets.
The 2023-24 Celtics boast a strong defense, but the double-headed monster in Dallas’ backcourt with Doncic and Irving would stand as Boston’s most daunting test yet this postseason if this Finals matchup is set in stone over the next few days.
“Kyrie Irving is trying to win a damn championship,” Perkins added. “I’m telling you that right now. I know Boston has elite defenders; I get that. But we’re talking about the most skilled player in my eyes to ever touch the basketball.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com