The Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship was one of the more surprising upsets in NBA Finals history. Down 3-1 and playing a historic Warriors team, the Cavs’ comeback was far from expected.
Cleveland received a huge burst this year with a healthy Kyrie Irving. The point guard had a phenomenal series, playing hard on both ends of the floor. Irving’s play was one of the major keys for Cleveland’s ultimate victory.
So even with the Warriors having signed Kevin Durant, Kyrie doesn’t seem phased. In an interview with Zach Frydenland of Complex, Irving refuted the thought that the reigning champions are “underdogs” going into next season:
I don’t know what that feels like. I don’t know what it feels like to be an underdog. I never see myself as an underdog at any moment in my life. Coming into next season there will probably be some favorites, but I definitely don’t see us as an underdog.
Well, Kyrie sounds confident. And who can blame him? Kyrie Irving was a huge part of arguably the most historic comeback in NBA history just a month ago. Even with the Warriors being the objective favorites with two top-three players on their roster, the Cavs should certainly not feel like they have something to prove. Until they are dethroned, the Cavaliers are the team to beat.
