Kyrie Irving Explains Why He Was Burning Sage Before Nets-Celtics Game

Before facing off against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving was spotted burning sage. 

Speaking to reporters after Brooklyn's 113-89 preseason victory, the point guard explained why:

"It just comes from, you know, a lot of native tribes, being able to sage, just cleanse the energy, you know, make sure that we're all balanced. And we come into this job and we come to this place it's not anything I don't do at home that I did today. You know, I saged last game, and I plan to sage almost every game if the opposing team would allow me to. But literally, it's just more or less for us to stay connected and for us to feel great about us going to work and feeling safe and provided for from our ancestors."

Irving's mother, Elizabeth Larson, was born into Standing Rock Sioux tribe before she was adopted. In the summer of 2018, Irving was welcomed to the tribe and received the Lakota name Hela, which means Little Mountain, in a naming ceremony.  

Irving poured in 17 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals in 28 minutes on Friday.