King James Gospel
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Grading Every Game 1 Starter

By Nathan Beighle

Jan 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue huddles with the team during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Quicken Loans Arena. The Kings won 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue huddles with the team during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Quicken Loans Arena. The Kings won 116-112. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the second half of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) in the second half of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Kyrie Irving played mediocre

I tend not to criticize Kyrie Irving as much because he isn’t the leader of this Cavaliers team, but his superstardom must start now. James is soon to be 33, and it will quickly be Kyrie’s team.

With that said, Kyrie needs to play better than 10-for-22 and two assists.

The two assists really shocks me. I understand that Irving averages only 5.4 assists per game this postseason, but as even the teams second key distributor, he must get the others more involved. At the end of the day, we know Irving will be able to finish off the glass with ease, but he must start to make everyone around him better also. The Warriors out-assisted the Cavs 31-15.

Scoring-wise, Irving did a pretty solid job. He ended with 24 points and was 3-for-4 from three point land which has been a struggle for him this postseason.

Irving, who is 25, is learning how to take the reigns from LeBron. Starting this Finals, he needs to be the one to step up in every minutes of every game.

Irving’s final grade: B