Kyrie Irving Comments on Cavaliers' Standing After Win vs. Nets
The Cleveland Cavaliers closed out a turbulent month of March with a 107-87 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, and point guard Kyrie Irving didn't hesitate to express confidence in his team's ability to reach the promised land come playoff time.
Speaking to reporters after the win, Irving put the past few weeks into perspective and noted Cleveland is still in prime position with the postseason approaching.
"Everything surrounding our team, just crazy to think that we’re still in first place, and we’re still the team to beat, honestly," he said, according to Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.
When asked to clarify whether he meant the Cavaliers were the team to beat in the Eastern Conference or the entire NBA, Irving provided the following response, per Fedor: "I feel like we're the team to beat. Honestly it's open season until we get into the playoffs. I have a lot more confidence than I think anyone realizes in our team and what's going on in our locker room."
George Thomas of Ohio.com provided footage of Irving's comments:
While the Cavaliers haven't been the class of the NBA this season—that distinguished honor belongs to the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs—it's hard to fault him for expressing that opinion.
A player of Irving's caliber isn't going to talk down his team's chances in advance of the playoffs, especially when the Cavaliers are on top of the Eastern Conference standings. Plus, the Cavaliers came within two games of capturing the NBA title last season with Irving (foot) and Kevin Love (shoulder) sidelined by injuries.
And for all of the drama that's enveloped the Cavaliers—from LeBron James unfollowing the team's Twitter account to speculation over Irving's alleged displeasure with the franchise—the Cavaliers still went 11-5 in March and own a 2.5-game lead over the Toronto Raptors for the East's No. 1 seed.
| 1 | Cleveland Cavaliers | 53-22 | ---- |
| 2 | Toronto Raptors | 50-24 | 2.5 |
| 3 | Atlanta Hawks | 45-31 | 8.5 |
| 4 | Boston Celtics | 43-31 | 9.5 |
| 5 | Miami Heat | 43-31 | 9.5 |
| 6 | Charlotte Hornets | 43-31 | 9.5 |
| 7 | Detroit Pistons | 40-35 | 13.0 |
| 8 | Indiana Pacers | 39-36 | 14.0 |
A talented Toronto team could push Cleveland if the two sides meet in the playoffs, and a potential second-round date with the Miami Heat could also spell disaster for James and Co.
Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, Irving's belief may be squashed if the reigning Eastern Conference champions are fortunate enough to return to the NBA Finals.
The Warriors and Spurs have been historically dominant this season, and downing either one over the course of a seven-game series would be an upset of the highest order. As ESPN.com's Zach Lowe put it, even if the Cavaliers are able to emerge as the champions of the Eastern Conference, "they will be competing against teams that are not normal."
Cleveland has the talent, but capturing the title, given the balance of power in the NBA, would appear to be an improbability based on the way the season has gone.
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