Kyrie Irving knocks down New York Knicks, 109-94

Dec 10, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Jarrett Jack (left) interrupts a post game interview with point guard Kyrie Irving after a 109-94 win over the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The underachieving Cleveland Cavaliers (8-13) welcomed the underachieving New York Knicks (5-15) into Quicken Loans Arena to battle and to try and turn their seasons around. While the Knicks continue to spiral out-of-control, the Cavs secured a 109-94 win.

The Cavs started quick with a Kyrie Irving bucket nine seconds into the game. From there, the Cavs owned the first quarter. The team matched Irving’s intensity and got out to a 25-9 run with 2:30 left in the quarter, leading to a Mike Woodson timeout.

However, the second quarter didn’t go as well as the first. Jarrett Jack started the second quarter at point guard. He was calling a play, but his four teammates looked like they didn’t know what was going on. It led to an Earl Clark moving pick violation, setting the tone for the second quarter. The Cavs’ big first-quarter lead was cut down to only three at halftime thanks to eight turnovers in the second frame.

But just like the first quarter, the Cavs came out strong in the third quarter. They were led by their starting point guard, who was doing his best with razzle-dazzle dribbling techniques, making his defenders look silly. It was the third quarter where the Cavs really separated themselves, outscoring the Knicks 33-20.

The Cavs have been known to give up a fourth quarter lead or two, but it just never came with the show Uncle Drew was putting on. He was hitting bucket after bucket, and had everyone at The Q on their feet.

ROSTER ANALYSIS:

STARTERS:

PG Kyrie Irving – It really looked like Irving came out with a chip on his shoulder. His first bucket came with nine seconds into the game, and from there, it was his game. He finished with a double-double, 37 points on 14 of 23 shooting and 11 assists. This game came at the right time for Irving after the rough stretch he has gone through the past few games. 

SG C.J. Miles – Miles played a very efficient night tonight, shooting 4 of 8 and finishing with 10 points. His ability to start has made the Cavs more versatile with Dion Waiters coming off the bench.

SF Alonzo Gee – Gee had a quiet night, but like Miles, he was efficient. He scored eight points in the third quarter on six shots. He normally guards the opponent’s best scorer, but with Carmelo Anthony playing out of position at power forward, he had the night off.

PF Tristan Thompson – Thompson’s night was highlighted by a put back one-handed dunk off of an Irving missed three-pointer. He struggled guarding Carmelo Anthony—like most defenders in the league do—allowing him to score 29 on 12 of 19 shooting.

C Andrew Bynum – The more minutes he is given, the more Bynum continues to get his All-Star abilities back. And the better he gets, the better the team gets. He is just as valuable, if not more valuable, than Irving is to this offense. Although he just finished with three points on 1 of 6 shooting, he grabbed eight rebounds. His agility is looking good and the Cavs are slowing him into a bigger role.

BENCH STAR:

PG Jarrett Jack – Jack was such a key signing in the offseason. He is a huge upgrade over last year’s backup point guards, Daniel Gibson and Shaun Livingston. He followed Irving in the shooting bonanza, scoring 17 points and shooting 3 of 5 from three-point range.

COACH’S CORNER:

The Cavs came out hot—kudos to Mike Brown. They gave up only 94 points, which happens to be the Knicks’ average. The Cavs had no offensive troubles tonight between Irving and Jack hitting almost anything they put up. The Cavs have won four of their last five games and have two days off before they travel to Orlando to take on the Magic (6-15). Tipoff is schedule for 7:00 p.m.