‘Two times…’ Kyrie Irving names Boston Celtics star whom he wanted to fight during 2024 NBA Finals

Kyrie Irving expressed significant frustration specifically with Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard during the 2024 NBA Finals while playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Irving revealed this during a stream with former Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown.

Irving cited Pritchard making incredible half-court shots on two separate occasions during the series, particularly impactful shots occurring just before halftime. These shots deeply rattled Irving, to the point where he humorously admitted, "I thought about swinging" at Pritchard. He emphasized the thought crossed his mind multiple times, questioning "How did that half-court shot happen two times?"

However, Irving clarified these comments were made in jest and he simultaneously gave Pritchard credit, referring to him as "PP" and offering a "shoutout".

Despite the contentious nature of his departure from the Celtics years earlier (where he initially promised to re-sign but instead joined the Brooklyn Nets), Irving also reflected fondly on his time in Boston during the stream. He described his initial arrival as "so exciting," highlighting family connections to the city, including his father attending school nearby and his mother graduating from Boston University, making it feel like the right place at the time.