Kyrie Irving's returns to Boston have always been contentious affairs. Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs was no different.

While fans showered Irving with boos and distasteful comments, Irving showed that "same energy" back to them. Multiple times, Irving was spotted giving the crowd the middle finger. Postgame, he shot back a colorful comment to a fan as he entered the locker room. And then in his postgame podium session, Irving expounded upon why he acted the way he did.

"Look, where I'm from, I'm used to all these antics and people being close nearby," Irving said. "It's nothing new when I come into this building what it's going to be like -- but it's the same energy they have for me, I'm going to have the same energy for them.

"And it's not every fan, I don't want to attack every fan, every Boston fan. When people start yelling 'p---y' or 'b----' and 'f--- you' and all this stuff, there's only but so much you take as a competitor. We're the ones expected to be docile and be humble, take a humble approach, f--- that, it's the playoffs. This is what it is."

Irving faces a maximum of a $50,000 fine for his behavior. Past precedent also says the NBA can choose to fine him up to $50,000 per incident. There were seemingly between one and four occasions where Irving had a finable offense.