Memo to ESPN,ABC, and TNT your missing the birth of a star in the NBA his name is Kyrie Irving if you don’t know who he is, but I’m sure you do. Irving hit a three-pointer a couple steps inside the halfcourt line to send his team to a season high 3 wins in a row last night in Toronto. Cleveland’s record now goes to 13-32 on the year.
Star Watch
Irving scored 12 of his 32 points in the 4th quarter to seal the deal for Cleveland. This youngster is wise beyond his years on the court. Kyrie is positioning himself to become the next superstar in the NBA. For all we have seen in so far his passing and playmaking have not been on display as much. Watch out when Cleveland gets somebody make shots via Irving’s passes.
Starter Watch
Dion Waiters got into foul trouble early and never got going. He scored 6 points on 3/10 shooting. Dion is still shooting way too many jumpers which is part of the problem. Alonzo Gee had a solid game and played good defense also. I like the flexiabilty Gee gives you on defense with his ability to guard the 1,2, or 3 spots. Tyler Zeller grabbed a team high 12 rebounds last night. Zeller is having problems scoring and holding on to the ball. Right now he is thinking way too much in my opinion. Tristan Thompson had another good game with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. I like the progress Thompson has made this season.
Bench Watch
Most of the season Cleveland has had one of the worst benches inn the league. Over the last two games Marreese Speights and Wayne Ellington have changed that. Speights had 17 points and 5 rebounds. Ellington had 12 points including 3 triples on the night.
What They Said
”I think (Irving) caught Alan off guard a little bit because he was so far out and hit a tough shot,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said.
And One
Cleveland is on national TV one time this year Febraury 20 on ESPN. Irving will be national TV because of the All-Star on February 17. I understand the NBA doesn’t want bad teams on national TV. Irving is one of the leagues budding stars so let’s see what happens over the next couple seasons for Cleveland as far as national TV appearrances.
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Tuesday Golden State @ The Q
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