In a candid interview, Kyrie Irving opened up about his time with the Boston Celtics and the challenges he faced during his tenure with the team. The former Celtics player, now a member of the Dallas Mavericks, expressed regret for not fully embracing the Celtics' culture and history upon being traded to Boston in the summer of 2017.

Speaking ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Irving acknowledged that he made a mistake by not immersing himself in the "Celtics pride" and failing to show his respect for the organization. In his own words, Irving described the Celtics' culture as a "cult" and admitted that he did not seamlessly buy into it, which ultimately led to his strained relationship with both fans and the organization.

While facing his former team in the finals, Irving has struggled to perform at his best. Despite his high-scoring 35-point performance in Game 3, the Mavericks find themselves trailing 3-1 in the series. Irving acknowledged that the chants of "Kyrie sucks" from the Boston crowd have been distracting for him, particularly when he is struggling with his shooting.

The rivalry between Irving and the Celtics fans can be traced back to his turbulent last season with the team. After initially indicating a desire to sign a long-term extension, Irving clashed with teammates and coaches, retracting his promise and disengaging during the playoffs. His departure as a free agent further soured his relationship with the Boston faithful.

Irving admitted that his behavior in Boston stemmed partly from his trade request from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although he did not specifically ask to be traded to the Celtics, he should have embraced the team's history and sought guidance from former Celtics players who are still connected to the organization. Reflecting on his experiences, Irving highlighted the importance of managing expectations and seeking support from those who have faced similar pressures.

As the series heads back to TD Garden in Boston, the stage is set for an emotionally charged atmosphere, with Irving expecting to face further chants and jeers from the hometown crowd. However, with a newfound perspective and a recognition of his past mistakes, Irving aims to silence the doubts, both from the fans and from within himself, and make a statement on the court.

Game 5 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET in Boston, and all eyes will be on Irving as he seeks redemption and a chance to extend the series against his former team.