BOSTON — During the Dallas Mavericks‘ 138-110 loss against the Boston Celtics on Friday night, Kyrie Irving was met with a clear and resonant message from the TD Garden crowd, with boos during starting lineup introductions and when he had the ball, along with loud chants of “Kyrie sucks” in the second half.

“They have a right to boo. From my career record against them in the last few games, I haven’t won, so until I beat them, they have all the right to continue to boo,” Irving said. “I think that’s what makes the theatrics of sports and competitive sports fun. Just have to embrace it. It’s part of it.”

Irving, whose tenure with Boston from 2017 to 2019 ended on a turbulent note, responded to the hostile reception with understanding, acknowledging the fans’ right to express dissatisfaction.

“Nah, the booing is part of it, man,” Irving said. “Again, I have dealt with Boston fans prior to me even coming here. I wouldn’t say that I’ve exited them a few times, but early in my career, we used to come up to Boston and smack them around. I’ve had both sides of the coin now, and I’ve accepted that that’s what comes with the competitive side.