The atmosphere was charged with now-usual animosity towards star point guard Kyrie Irving, evident in a loud “Kyrie sucks!” chant from the crowd during the fourth quarter. Post-game, Irving responded calmly to the crowd’s reaction, acknowledging their freedom to boo. “They have a right to boo,” Irving said after the loss. “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. I think that’s what makes the theatrics of sports and competitive sports fun. Just gotta embrace it. It’s part of it.”