Kyrie Irving Key to Cleveland Cavaliers’ Championship Dreams
There’s no bigger hurdle in sports than when a player must alter the way they approach the game. Oftentimes, said athlete has been utilizing a specific style of play since they were starring for their recreational leagues or AAU travel teams.
Thus, facing a new learning curve in the most competitive basketball league in the world is not only a daunting task, but one that many NBA players have failed to overcome.
Kyrie Irving‘s selfless decision to embrace a change of role is not only what’s helped the Cleveland Cavaliers turn their season around, but it’s legitimized their championship aspirations.
According to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports, Irving has found common ground with his teammates: respect.
"“I’m blessed to be a part of this season, and I take full advantage of it because this is a very talented team,” Irving told USA TODAY Sports. “I enjoy being able to be out there with guys who are so selfless. It’s all about the team. We all respect each other’s games, and we all respect what we all bring to the table.”"
The rest has fallen into place.
Since opening the season at 19-20, the Cavaliers have been a dominant 29-7. Now 48-27 overall, they’re closing in on a 50-win season and hold a 3.0-game advantage over the Toronto Raptors for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With just seven games remaining on the schedule, all signs point towards Cleveland entering the playoffs slotted at No. 2.
The driving force behind the turnaround has been LeBron James and his return from an injury absence. Thus far in 2014-15, the Cavaliers are 46-18 with James in the lineup and 2-9 when he isn’t.
The key to Cleveland going from an ultra-talented team to a championship-caliber squad, however, is not just one player; it’s the dynamic of James and Irving as a tandem.
The James and Irving pairing has finally hit its stride, and when they both get going, there aren’t many teams that can compete. Irving has mastered the transition 3, which has been the catalyst to many of his greatest scoring performances.
With James and Kevin Love throwing accurate outlet passes, Irving’s prowess as an open-court finisher and shooter has transformed Cleveland’s offense.
The turning point in Cleveland’s season and, quite possibly Irving’s career, €”was the development of an off-ball role.
"“Despite what everyone was saying about my ego and being able to play off the basketball and saying I’m ball dominant and I’m this and I’m that and I won’t be able to play with this person or that person or I’ll have to adjust, in basketball, you have to adjust no matter what,” Irving said. “Whether it’s a big adjustment or small adjustment, an adjustment needs to be made.“Being a professional and having confidence in my abilities, I knew I could come in and just play basketball. You just figure it out. That’s what basketball is about.”"
With Irving embracing his off-ball approach, Cleveland is close to unstoppable.
What’s different about James and Irving’s on-court relationship to that of James and Dwyane Wade is playing style. Wade is an all-time slasher, and while Irving can certainly break defenders down himself, it’s another area that functions as a key stylistic advantage as an off-ball player.
While Wade has thrived as more of a 3-point-line-in type of scorer, Irving can shoot the lights out from distance.
The 23-year-old is currently shooting a career-best 40.3 percent from 3-point range on 2.0 attempts converted per game. He’s already set a new career-high with 143 3-point field goals made, and there’s still seven games to go.
A career 38.7 percent shooter from beyond the arc, don’t expect Irving to slow down any time soon.
For those concerned with Irving not getting enough touches, his usage rate has only declined by 2.5 percent. He still checks in at 25.3 percent, per ESPN Insider, and has as big of a role as any point guard on a genuine contender.
Amongst point guards who play at least 30.0 minutes per game, Irving’s usage rate is No. 8 in the NBA, per ESPN Insider.
No longer restricted to dribble-penetration duties, Irving has improved upon his greatest weakness of all: defense. Long known as a turnstile defender, he’s increased his effort and made life difficult for opposing point guards.
Irving still needs to improve his consistency on that end, but his improved focus has been clear as day.
Irving’s role has changed, but his efficiency has skyrocketed and his importance to the team has remained the same. Even as James, a four-time league MVP and a two-time Finals MVP, has assumed the role of the floor general, Irving has been right by his side as a face of the franchise.
Come the 2015 NBA Playoffs, James’ experience and Irving’s game-breaking abilities will be the difference between Cleveland having a shot and it actually contending.
There’s nothing better than when a plan comes together.
Next: Are the Cleveland Cavaliers the best team in the NBA?
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