The Cleveland Cavaliers can go several different ways with their defensive match ups, but in any of them, Kyrie Irving’s play will be huge.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar Kyrie Irving showed every offensive weapon in his repertoire as they crushed the Celtics in five games. While his offense is absolutely phenomenal, it will be his defense that could make an even bigger impact on the series.
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On Christmas Day, the Cleveland Cavaliers were saved by a Kyrie Irving fading shot over the out-reached hand of Klay Thompson. But, the underlying story was how defensive mastermind and former Cav DeAndre Liggins shut down Stephen Curry. Throughout the season, Curry averaged 25.3 points per game and had 15 that game.
The Cavs later released Liggins but maintained terrific perimeter defense and regained the injured J.R. Smith. This team has the ability to be dominate, but it will start with them at the defensive end, and Irving will be a critical piece of this if he is guarding Curry.
Just as Lue did in the Pacers and Raptors series, he may choose to put a renown defender on Curry instead. In that case, Irving would slide over to guard sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Even then, his involvement defensive would still play a massive role. In last year’s Finals in which Irving mostly stayed on Thompson, Klay averaged less than 20 points in his 35 minutes per game.
Kyrie isn’t usually known for his defense. Actually, his defense is usually the most scrutinized part of his game. This playoffs have been different though. Irving has a nice 103.3 defense rating which gives him a +17.4 net rating. However the match ups unfold, it will be Irving that must step up and lock down an excellent offensive player.
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From the match ups to the lineups to the actual play, every little detail of this series matters. Irving’s ability to contain one of the All-Star backcourt Warriors will be critical for the Cavs to achieve their ultimate goal and repeat as champs.