BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on October 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 108-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving paid tribute to his late mother on Tuesday (Nov. 14) with special edition sneakers.
Irving’s mom, Elizabeth, passed away when he was 4 years old.
Here are a couple of snaps from the shoes that beautifully honored Irving’s late mother.
For MOM. #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/G0YPuX8gJh
— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2017
Kyrie paying tribute to his mom with special edition sneakers is the best thing ever. He even changed the logo to "MOM" pic.twitter.com/xI9vUVyj2o
— Jasmine (@JasmineLWatkins) November 10, 2017
According to Yahoo Sports, “The large rose toward the back of the heel surrounds the end of the Nike swoosh. “MOM” is embroidered on tongue, replacing Irving’s usual “KI” logo. The black and white polka dots on the lining and a gift tag that reads “I Love you Mom” adds a nice touch to the shoe.”
On top of paying tribute to his mom, Irving also gave away his game jersey and the very same special edition shoes mentioned above to two members of the United States Armed Forces when the game between the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets came to an end.
It was Military Appreciation Night at Barclays Center, and after the final buzzer, Irving made a beeline to sideline. First, he took off his green Celtics jersey. Then, he stepped out of his sneakers — a special edition of his Nike signature shoes that paid tribute to his mother, Elizabeth, who died when he was four years old. Irving, who’s done a few of of these sorts of post-game giveaways this season, then handed the game-worn gear to two of the soldiers, then shook hands with all four of the military members standing by, before making his way back to the visiting locker room.
Thank you for your service! #HoopsForTroops #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/rZxad79sFE
— NBA (@NBA) November 15, 2017
Before Irving showed his appreciation, he led the Celtics to not only their 13th victory of the 2017-18 NBA season … but their 13th victory in a row. They now stand at 13-2 on the year, which places them at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. In fact, it’s the best record in the NBA.
Irving had 25 points and five assists in the game. Also coming up big in the scoring department was Marcus Morris, who had 21 points in the contest (Morris is averaging 13.7 points per game on the season).
Next up, Irving and the rest of the Celtics will take on the Golden State Warriors with, of course, a 13-game winning streak on the line.
“It’s definitely an incredible streak we’re on, and now comes the whole media frenzy of will the streak end, and what’s going to happen on Thursday and the Golden State Warriors coming to Boston,” Irving said. “So I’m looking forward to all that hoopla.”
Irving is averaging 20.6 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game this season.
Handing the ball over to the defending NBA champs, the Warriors are 11-3 on the year, and they have their very own seven-game winning streak going for them entering this potential NBA Finals matchup.
It remains to be seen who will win the big-stage showdown on Thursday night, and who will actually make the NBA Finals (…and the playoffs), but one thing is certain: Irving is already a star in Boston, and his stats and the Celtics’ record are proof of that.
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