Brooklyn Nets superstar Kyrie Irving downplayed the significance of his first game back at the TD Garden Arena against the Boston Celtics on Friday. Shortly after Irving helped the Nets dismantle his former team, 113-89, in their second NBA preseason match, he discussed what went through his mind.

He opened up about the situation on NBC Sports Boston, saying he has no animosity towards his former teammates (via Abigail Adams of NESN.com).

“Just another day at the job. Honestly, I’m grateful to be able to have relationships with a lot of these guys (that are) still here, guys that aren’t here still. And you know, at the end of the day, we went to war together. And I respect all those young men down there. We’re not even young. We’re just kings growing in a business where we want to do what makes us happy. And to see Jayson get better, to see Jaylen get better, to see these guys mature and be in the positions that they’re in, I’m nothing but proud of them.”

Irving had a splendid outing, producing 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 27 minutes of play.

Article Continues Below
More Brooklyn Nets News
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Nets exploring Cam Johnson trade with Raptors, RocketsErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
Nets getting closer look at Noa Essengue, top international prospects in ItalyErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
NBA front office insider gives Cam Thomas contract predictionErik Slater ·
image thumbnail
Former top Nets assistant among finalists for Suns head coach positionErik Slater ·
Noa Essengue
Nets’ dark-horse No. 8 pick candidate rising up draft boardsErik Slater ·
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·

Before he signed a four-year, $136 million deal with the Nets last year, most pundits expected Irving to stay put in Beantown. After all, he practically made a verbal commitment to keep wearing the Green and White but had a change of heart after just two seasons with the team.

Kyrie Irving's highly anticipated return to Boston was supposed to take place last year but was delayed after he missed a large chunk of the season due to injury. His return on Friday no longer came with the same hype, considering there were no fans in attendance and it was just a preseason game.

But as much as Irving wanted to treat it like any other game, looks like the return got to him a bit as he was seen burning sage around the arena prior to tip-off.

He will have plenty of chances to play his former squad when the regular season begins, starting with their first encounter on December 26.