Player Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks

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Dec 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (2) looks to pass around New York Knicks shooting guard Sasha Vujacic (18) and New York Knicks small forward Lance Thomas (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Cavaliers. . Kyrie Irving. A+.

Kyrie Irving played one of of his most masterful games last night. Gone is the point guard the team drafted in 2011. The player Irving is now isn’t dribbling the air out of the ball, he’s not even looking to just “get an assist”. Irving plays with the confidence and awareness that’s afforded to you when you’ve spent the last two seasons learning from one of the two most cerebral players in the NBA.

Irving finished the game making 9-of-17 field goals, including 4-of-6 three-point attempts, and 6-of-6 free throws. This performance will continue to edge Irving into the conversation Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard as the most efficient scorers in the NBA.

While playing off of the best scorers in the perimeter, Irving was able to focus his energy on playing the right way for the Cavaliers on offense. The Cavs surely benefited from another intelligent game from Irving who had six assists in this contest.