Not Batman’s Robin: Irving emerging as Cavs’ second leader

SECOND IN COMMAND. Kyrie Irving, 25, has evolved into a superstar talent with blazing competitive fire who is not afraid to hold even the great LeBron James to account Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America/AFP

The inevitable has finally happened.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are now set to defend their title against the Golden State Warriors after crushing the Boston Celtics, 135-102, for the third time on Friday, May 25 Manila time on their own arena.

It was your standard Cavaliers highlight reel: LeBron James bullying in the post for easy slams; Kevin Love sniping away from downtown; and Kyrie Irving gyrating to the basket as if time moves slower for him than everyone else. Cleveland was not willing to play another game with Boston, plain and simple.

And as if heading to his seventh straight finals was not enough, James also surpassed the mythical Michael Jordan for first place on the all-time playoff scoring list after a three-pointer in the third quarter.

Then, the cameras caught something different.

Just before the final quarter started, Irving was seen shouting over a slumped James who was hiding his head under a towel. Renowned commentator Ernie Johnson couldn’t help but ask Irving about it after the game (starting around the 1:40 mark.)

“I told him not to take the moment for granted – passing MJ in scoring. That’s an iconic moment, what he did for the culture and honestly, for the game of basketball – it’s nothing short of legendary.

“We understand that the journey doesn’t stop here, and we’re not satisfied. We go back to the promised land which is the finals.”

Here we see just a glimpse of what Irving is all about as a team leader. With his mentor living the dream of a lifetime by passing his idol’s record, he reminded him of what that moment meant moving forward and the tasks they have yet to accomplish.

At just 25 years old, Irving has evolved into a superstar talent with blazing competitive fire who is not afraid to hold even the great LeBron James accountable for his actions.

When the pressure is highest and the lights are brightest, he thrived, as evidenced by his performance in last year’s finals with the Warriors. He averaged 30.0 points, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks on 52% shooting and 53% from 3PT area in the three games they were facing elimination. This was initiated by a 41-point explosion in Oakland to make a point that they were far from done.

The rest, they say, is history.

Tied at one championship apiece, Cleveland is faced with another uphill climb heading into their third-straight war with Golden State. With the addition of superstar forward Kevin Durant bolstering an already-nightmarish All-Star lineup, Irving needs to lead now more than ever. LeBron James is not capable of doing it alone despite his best efforts, and the 2015 finals is proof.

Is he ready though? Well, we’ll let him take it from here.

“I can’t wait. I can’t wait. I’m excited for them.”

We hear you. We can’t wait, either. One week of waiting is far too long. – Rappler.com