Cleveland Cavaliers fans delivered a massive hero’s welcome to Kyrie Irving when he returned to the Rocket Arena on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old guard took the floor with the Dallas Mavericks and received a reception that was much bigger than a standard warm welcome, “videos of how he was welcomed back” showed, according to Yahoo Sports.
Irving originally made his name in the NBA with the Cleveland franchise after they selected him as the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft.
During his time with the Cavs, he won the Rookie of the Year award, earned All-Star nods in 2013 and 2014, and captured the 2014 All-Star Game MVP.
The high point of his tenure in Cleveland came in 2016, when he hit a step-back three-pointer over Steph Curry to secure the franchise’s first major pro sports championship in 52 years.
Before Saturday’s game tipped off, a video of that championship-winning shot played inside the arena while his name was announced.
Irving delivered a stellar individual performance against his former club, finishing the night with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block.
However, that stellar effort ultimately went in vain as the Mavericks suffered a 127-117 defeat against the Cavaliers.
The loss featured a triple-double performance from Tyrese Proctor for the victorious home team.
Dallas will now hit the road again to face the Boston Celtics, which happens to be the team Irving joined when he departed Cleveland in 2018.
Fans and analysts alike are now looking forward to seeing what kind of reaction awaits the veteran guard at the TD Garden on Sunday night.
Amid the ongoing basketball schedule, various related discussions have recently circulated across sports media platforms.
Basketball figures have also addressed broader topics, with “Kyrie Irving addresses ‘social issues’ in the WNBA” according to Yahoo Sports.
Meanwhile, analysts continue discussing his career trajectory, including when “Theo Pinson shuts down disrespectful comment he’s just heard about Kyrie Irving” per recent reporting.
Other basketball commentators have also weighed in on his future movements, such as when “Lou Williams reveals the ideal trade destination for Kyrie Irving” in an analysis piece.