The Cleveland Cavaliers were forced to play without star forward LeBron James on Wednesday as he sat out to rest. Fortunately for the Cavs, they still had Kyrie Irving.
The point guard took over the reigns without LeBron and led his team to a close win against the Dallas Mavericks. Irving scored 33 points in the 99-98 victory, shooting 13-28, including 3-9 from the three point line. Kyrie also added five rebounds and an assist in helping his team clinch the win.
The victory itself is not a hugely important feat, but the fact that it came without LeBron should be a confidence-booster for the entire team. Kevin Love and Channing Frye, especially were monumental in the win, showing their worth to the team.
Irving, specifically, can gain confidence from the game as it has taken him some time to shake off the rust from missing the first half of the season. With the playoffs fast approaching, it seems as though the point guard is getting his legs under him. It could not come at a better time as the Cavaliers will need Kyrie Irving at full health and ability in order to attempt to win their first championship.
