Kyrie Irving Says He Doesn't 'Think of Christmas as a Holiday' After Loss

Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving turned into Ebenezer Scrooge following Thursday night's 102-93 loss to the New York Knicks.

After the game, Irving told reporters he "doesn't really get into" the excitement around Christmas and doesn't see Christmas Day as a holiday, per ESPN.com's Chris Forsberg:

Irving potentially could be referring to the fact Christmas comes right in the middle of the NBA season, which doesn't leave much time for him to get into the Christmas spirit. And while many basketball fans can spend time with their families and wind down with a full slate of games on Dec. 25, it's another day of work for some NBA players.

Irving and the Celtics are one of 10 teams playing on Christmas Day this year. Boston will welcome in the Washington Wizards for a rematch of their epic seven-game series in the second round of the 2017 playoffs.

Going back even further, Irving hasn't had a Christmas Day off since 2013, the year before LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Considering Irving swapped out the Cavs' wine and gold for the Celtics' green, playing the Grinch this winter is on brand for the four-time All-Star.