Maybe the most interesting matchup in the first round of the NBA Playoffs is the Celtics vs. Nets series, where Kyrie Irving will play his former team. In the past, when Irving has returned to Boston, the fans have given him a rude greeting given the way Irving left the team.
Irving left in free agency after two years with the Celtics despite openly saying he wanted to re-sign with the franchise. As a result, Boston fans have held a grudge against Irving, leading to heavy boos and heckling at every Nets–Celtics game.
Additionally, in a return to Boston last year, Irving stepped on the Celtics’ logo mid-court, which angered some fans.