Dave Portnoy didn’t hold back when he ridiculed Kyrie Irving in Game 2 of the Celtics-Mavericks NBA Finals on Sunday.
The Barstool Sports founder, a Boston native and passionate Celtics fan, wore a T-shirt featuring Irving’s face, complete with a clown nose, while sitting courtside at TD Garden.
When Portnoy, 47, appeared on the Jumbotron during the third quarter, he proudly displayed his garment.
He was also seen standing and cheering in a photo shared by the Celtics on social media following Boston’s 105-98 victory in Game 2.
In a post on X, Portnoy, who sat next to a mystery blonde, said that Barstool Sports sells the “KI Clown Tee” for $32.
He gained popularity on social media after he and Camryn D’Aloia were highlighted on the live broadcast during Game 4 of the Celtics-Heat first-round playoff series last month.
The Celtics also mocked Irving upon his return to TD Garden on Sunday.
After Boston’s 107-89 victory against Dallas in Game 1, the Jumbotron displayed Irving’s quote: “I thought it was gonna be a little louder in here.”
Celtics fans did not greet Irving warmly when he returned to TD Garden for the 2024 NBA Finals following his unceremonious exit from Boston.
Dave Portnoy, the founder of 3Barstool Sports, attends Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 9, 2024.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters. Con: Irving spent two seasons with the Celtics in 2017-18 and 2018-19, but failed to win the franchise’s 18th title before joining the Nets.
Many people were disappointed with Irving for departing Boston after promising to re-sign with the franchise.
Since then, Irving has made several headlines for his feud with Boston.
Dave Portnoy, the founder of 3Barstool Sports, attends Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 9, 2024.Getty Images
In December 2020, Irving burnt sage on the field at TD Garden to “cleanse the energy” before the Nets’ preseason game against the Celtics.
The following year, he appeared to stomp on the Celtics’ Lucky the Leprechaun logo at midcourt and wipe his foot across it after Game 4 of the Nets-Celtics first-round playoff series in May 2021.