The Best Browns Since 1999 – Running Backs
February 16, 2012Mayock, RGIII, and the West Coast Offense
February 16, 2012
It’s like riding a bike. You know, if feverishly peddling a Sonic 6 was akin to rolling left off of a ball screen only to dribble-drive full speed in to the elevated body of a 7-foot-2-inch, 280-pound center. As Kyrie Irving lunged toward the rim, his 190-pound frame bounced off of Roy Hibbert’s body as if the All-Star big man were made of cinder block; Irving responded with a left-handed lay-in over the former Hoya’s ready-and-waiting hands.
It was only two points and the play occurred with a mere four minutes having run off of the game clock, but the sequence rang loud. The first-overall pick, on the cusp of what many had considered to be an All-Star campaign of his own, coming back from the first injury sustained in his diaper and similac-young NBA career — a concussion, the injury du jour of all contemporary sports-related medical studies and a diagnosis which ultimately sealed the public relations fate of the 2011 Cleveland Browns. Missing three games following severe headache and sensitivity, Irving returned to the hardwood to not only take part in the team’s 11-point win over the Indiana Pacers, but he played his typically integral role, scoring and facilitating and spinning off of countless would-be defenders.
“We’ve always known from day one that he has no fear, so it wasn’t surprising to me that his first shot was going to be an aggressive, attack-mode type shot,” said Byron Scott in his postgame state of the Wine and Gold address. “I wasn’t surprised at all. It was just good to see him back out there on the floor playing the way that I know he’s capable of playing.”
The “way” described by Scott netted Irving 22 points (on a 71.2 eFG%), a game-high five assists, and a blocked shot for good measure. His teammates were involved early and reserve guard Ramon Sessions was able to pick up right where he left off in Irving’s absence, adding 13 of the utmost efficient points of the night — Sess’ shot 5-for-5 from the floor, made both three-point attempts, as well as his sole free throw. And while one can argue correlation and causation, it was in Irving’s return to NBA action that led to center Semih Erden appearing to be an ample replacement for the injured Anderson Varejao as the Turkish big man finished with a career-high 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting; five of his six shots at the rim came via assist.
In fact, ball movement was so prevalent as the Cavaliers amassed 24 assists on their 36 field goals, seven of their 10 three-pointers were aided by a pass. Other players on the Cavaliers lauded collective hustle and confidence. Some were aggressive, others were fantastic.
When Irving wasn’t bouncing off of All-Star centers, spinning off of help-side defenders or making an otherwise speedy Darren Collison backpedal faster than a post-cheap shot Carmelo Anthony, he was banking in step-back mid-range jump shots or opting to be on the receiving end of an assist behind the arc. The Cavaliers’ pace of play rests comfortably in the hands of the 19-year-old who is slowly realizing exactly what super powers he possesses when it comes to dictating the flow of an NBA contest. Think Peter Parker’s transition from destroying lamps and leaping across rooftops to fighting crime and saving lives. Just with considerable less computer-generated imagery.
Considering that Irving’s concussion didn’t exactly stem from him driving to the hoop rather than being the result of freak knee placement on behalf of Miami’s Dwyane Wade, the rookie will be the first to say that he can’t let accidents limit his style of play.
It’s inherently refreshing to see a rookie willing to brush prior injury aside and not alter his approach out of fear. They always say that the most important hit after a big injury is the first one, helping cast away any residual concern. Even Erden was admittedly cautious when he came back from his thumb injury earlier this season, stating that he likely could have been more aggressive on both ends of the floor. But Irving, a kid beyond his years, essentially took a three-game break under protest, awaiting medical clearance but using the time to become more rejuvenated where fresh legs could ultimately make the difference during a condensed season.
“I’m 100 percent,” said Irving of his first game back. “It doesn’t mean that because I had a prior concussion that my game is going to change in any way. I had the same aggressiveness.”
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(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
13 Comments
Forgone conclusion. I dis Erden in the afternoon and he gets off for the first time in his life that evening. Thanks, Semeh, for confirming my inner belief that I affect Cleveland sporting events. Now don’t get all competitive on us, put that can o’spinach down before we start winning games, you selfish b-word.
I’m still trying to hold in my Irving enthusiasm, but I’m beginning to feel like the Braveheart guys waiting for the English calvary, I need Mel Gibson shouting “Hold! Hold!” to keep me contained.
Granted 2nd game in 2 nights for Indy, and Tues, was a disheartening massacre for them, and Danny Granger was out, but still…
The team has a noticeably different energy when Kyrie is on the floor, people move and seem more alert because they know if open they’re probably getting the ball.
Kyrie was probably helped by the week off. He’s had tired legs quite a bit this season (understandable because of the lockout and his injury last year).
Kyrie was probably helped by the week off. He’s had tired legs quite a bit this season (understandable because of the lockout and his injury last year).
yea, Sessions just isn’t able to get the same results out of Erden. I love it that we have Kyrie. If he was on the Knicks he’d be on ESPN every night and being analyzed from every corner of the globe. I love it that he’s here and staying humble, quietly doing his thing. BTW it’s cavalry. Funny you brought that up cuz I suggested earlier in the day that the Cavs should “Unleash Hell” on the Pacers.. and they did! Hopefully they’ll have some more of that for the Heat.
I feel like you both are talking about Gladiator with Russell Crowe.
“Hold! Hold! As one!” being from the recreation of the Battle of Zama in the Colosseum.
and
“At my signal, unleash Hell.” being from the campaign against the Germanic tribes shown in the start of the movie.
And to answer the question “Are you not entertained?” Yes, I am.
What’s not to like?
Mason is talking Gladiator. I’m talking Braveheart. When the English cavalry (thanks for the typo fix) are bearing down on the Scots and Mel Gibson is shouting “Hold!” to keep the men from pulling their spears up too early.
The “Hold” line in Gladiator is meant to unify the combatants. The Hold line in Braveheart is a command to keep the men from getting overexcited.
And yes I too am entertained. Now if we could just get some tigers behind the visitors bench Friday…
Can you please wake up every morning and trash Laporta for me?
Irving was so freaking impressive last night. He used the pick-and-roll to perfection. When they went under the screen, he buried a 3-pointer. When they went over the screen, he drove to the hoop to score or else made a sweet pass for an assist. I know that not every night will be like last night, but it was just so encouraging to see how well Irving’s playing as just a rookie. There was a point in the 3rd quarter where Darren Collison got that fire in his eye and made a bunch of shots in a row, but every time Irving would push right back with either a made bucket of his own or an assist. He wasn’t afraid, he welcomed the challenge and imposed his will. How can you not love that?
Please, I’m just a human with remarkable powers, not a necromancer.
“Please note, any attempt to circumvent our language filters by “creatively” mis-spelling foul language will result in an automatic IP ban.”
That can be found in the “Before you Comment” section. Unless by B-word you meant Basset Hound, because those dogs can get so selfish sometimes…
I could swear “Unleash Hell” was from Braveheart ?? argh, I’m eating crowe..