Kelly Oubre is arguably public enemy number 1 in Boston. The Celtics fans despise him going back to his days with the Washington Wizards, as the two teams’ rivalry hit an apex. So it was fitting Oubre’s debut with his new team, the Phoenix Suns, would be at the TD Bank Garden in Boston.
In an eventful night for the young 23-year old, Oubre came up huge in his Suns’ debut with 13 points, six rebounds, two blocks, one steal and assist. He even hit a dagger three with 47 seconds remaining, and blew kisses to the booing Celtics fans afterwards, as the Suns stunned the Celtics 111-103.
Celtics fans’ ire for Oubre stems from the 2017 NBA Playoffs, in which Oubre and then-Celtic Kelly Olynk got into a physical altercation after a hard screen by Olynk. Oubre leaped up and forcefully shoved Olynk to the floor during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series.
Oubre was ejected from the game and ultimately suspended for Game 4. As the series shifted back to Boston, he was a direct target of jeers and boos from the fans. It’s been a love-hate relationship since. And changing uniforms hasn’t changed their relationship.
Oubre was officially traded to the Suns from the Wizards Monday along with Austin Rivers in exchange for Trevor Ariza.
Wednesday, the fourth quarter dagger was not the first opportunity Oubre got to blow his sweet kisses at the Boston crowd. He did so in the second quarter while at the free throw line, as he banked his free throw he gave a great response to the booing crowd.
Unfortunately, with him being in the Western Conference that was his only trip to Boston this season so this rivalry will have to be put on hold at least until next season.
