Instant Reaction: Cleveland Cavaliers 99, Utah Jazz 79
Feb 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives around Utah Jazz point guard Trey Burke (3) during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Final Outcome
After a slow first half, the Cleveland Cavaliers came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. Over the course of the final 24 minutes, the Cavaliers stretched their lead to to 20 (a 22 points swing) and ultimately won by a final score of 99-79. Kyrie Irving recorded his first career triple-double in the win, finishing with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
Key Play to the Game
The whole second half was key, so we’ll focus on one specific play that really didn’t involve the game.
This has now happened three times in three years. The Cavaliers really need to do something to stop this from happening.
Wine & Gold MVP
Irving was sensational tonight, as he recorded the first triple double of his career. His shooting numbers were not great (he finished 7-16 from the field and 1-3 from three) but overall he was solid. He especially on point with his passing, consistently finding open teammates and helping the Cavaliers turn the game around in the second. And on the glass, Irving probably could have pulled down a few more rebounds, but 10 rebounds is a very good number for Irving. He’s really looking more and more like himself each game out and that’s very good for the Cavaliers.
Top Tweets
Irving's got that ball on a string tonight. That last pass to Zeller looked like a mistake it was so good.
— realcavsfans.com (@realcavsfans) March 1, 2014
When the Cavs drafted Tyler Zeller, it was projected that they'd get a high quality backup Center. Seems like for once, scouts were right.
— Carter Rodriguez (@Carter_Shade) March 1, 2014
Hawes picks up his 9th technical of the season. That'll be another $3,000 fine. He's up to $22,000 this year in technical fines.
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) March 1, 2014
I for one am happy to have the real Kyrie Irving back
— Carter Rodriguez (@Carter_Shade) March 1, 2014
ALONZO GEE CORNER 3!!!! MIKE BROWN'S PRESEASON DREAM IS REALIZED.
— WayneEmbrysKids Official (@WayneEmbrysKids) March 1, 2014
And yet another fan on the court. This is getting concerning how many times it's happening here. Fan ran up to Irving before he was tackled
— Jason Lloyd (@ByJasonLloyd) March 1, 2014
Kyrie Irving just got his 10th rebound with 4:12 left, first triple-double of career. #Cavs
— clevelanddotcom Cavs (@PDcavsinsider) March 1, 2014
Kyrie Irving coming out for Sergey Karasev, he raises his arms to huge ovation from #Cavs fans. 21 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds.
— clevelanddotcom Cavs (@PDcavsinsider) March 1, 2014
THAT'S WHAT IT TAKES FOR KARASEV TO GET PLAYING TIME.
— WayneEmbrysKids Official (@WayneEmbrysKids) March 1, 2014
Cavs defense has been pretty good for awhile now. March will be tough for Cavs but it does seem like the team is growing. 8 wins in 11 games
— David Zavac (@DavidZavac) March 1, 2014
Up Next
The Cavaliers will travel to Memphis tonight to take on the Grizzlies tomorrow. A few weeks back, the Cavaliers took down the Grizzlies at the Q in an overtime thriller that saw Irving and Dion Waiters carry Cleveland down the stretch. But with Waiters still out with a hyperextend left knee (and with Tony Allen and Mike Conley back healthy for Memphis) it will interesting to see if Irving can get the space he needs to make plays. Tipoff is at 9 p.m. from the FedEx Forum in Memphis.