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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Things To Be Thankful For In 2015

By Jamyson Frierson

Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view of Quicken Loans Arena prior to game six of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view of Quicken Loans Arena prior to game six of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Kyrie Irving (2) after a 106-101 win over the Chicago Bulls in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Kyrie Irving (2) after a 106-101 win over the Chicago Bulls in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kyrie Irving Gets Contract Extension

This was potentially the beginning of everything falling into place for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving re-signed with the team for five-years, $90 million. Irving was so happy about the new deal, he posted an Instagram video of himself dancing. Some could say that there isn’t any reason to be thankful for this since Irving has been injury-plagued for most of his career and only played in one game in the Finals due to a knee injury.

However, I don’t think LeBron James or Kevin Love would have considered coming to Cleveland if he didn’t re-sign his contract and showed that he’s “All in” with the Cavaliers. Throughout the season he showed flashes of his potential greatness and the impact that he can make on a game.

The best example of that was against the San Antonio Spurs last season. Irving hit the game-tying three-pointer to send the game into overtime and scored a career-high 57 points in a win against them. He also scored 55 points against the Portland Trail Blazers in the game that will be forever known as “Kyriediculous.”

Irving even showed it this season on Monday against the Phoenix Suns. He hit a big three-pointer on the way to a 22-point game and the win. He proved once again that he is not afraid of the moment.

He is a vital part to the team and I believe if he was healthy in the Finals, the Cavaliers would have won the championship even without Kevin Love. The biggest thing for Irving is to maintain good health. But unfortunately, there isn’t a fix for that.

All Cavalier fans can hope for is that he keeps evolving and overcomes the injury bug. Matthew Dellavedova and Mo Williams have filled in great for him this season, but nothing compares to his dynamic game and the ability to takeover. Without him, who knows where this team would be right now?

Next: 3. David Griffin

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