Kyrie Irving fined $50,000 for 'obscene gestures' and 'profane language' towards Boston crowd in Game 1

The NBA announced on Tuesday afternoon that Kyrie Irving has been fined $50,000 for “making obscene gestures on the playing court and directing profane language toward the spectator stands” during Game 1 against the Boston Celtics.

Irving, who played two seasons with the Celtics, heard it from the Boston crowd all game long, and after hitting a pull-up jumper in the fourth quarter of Boston’s 115-114 win, Irving turned and quickly gave the fans the middle finger as he sprinted back on defense.

Irving was asked about the incident and the crowd’s relentless chants after the game.

"Where I’m from, I’m used to all these antics and people being close, nearby. It’s nothing new when I come to this building what it’s going to be like," Irving said. "It's the same energy they have for me and I’m going to have the same energy for them … And I don’t want to attack every Boston fan, but when people start yelling p---y, bitch, and f--k you, there’s only so much you can take as a competitor.

"We’re the ones expected to be docile and humble ... nah f--k that, it’s the playoffs. It is what it is. I know what to expect in here and it’s the same energy I’m giving back to them. I’m not really focused on it, it’s fun."

Though the Nets lost on a Jayson Tatum buzzer-beater, Irving had a sensational Game 1, dropping 39 points on 12-of-20 shooting, adding six assists and five rebounds.

Game 2, which is sure to feature more of the same energy in TD Garden, is set for Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.