Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson shine as Cleveland Cavaliers overpower Charlotte Bobcats 115-101: NBA
The number one and the fourth pick of the NBA draft 2011, Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson were acquired by Cleveland Cavaliers in a hope that they would turn the team into what it used to be in the times of LeBron James.
And although it’s still early days, the way this duo is blossoming with every game, there is a strong possibility the Cavs will regain their status by the end of this season. Just hours ago, the rookies, displaying excellent skills,
led their team to a convincing 115-101 win over the Charlotte Bobcats.
Irving matched his career high by scoring 20 points and 6 assists on a near perfect shooting, knocking down 8 for 10 from the floor including 2 for 2 from outside the arc, while Thompson nearly missing his first double-double at
the big stage, bundled 16 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. His shooting was not that accurate- 7 for 16 from the field, however it was much improved than his last two outings.
"Kyrie makes everyone around him better," Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. "He gets more and more comfortable with each game. Tristan's in that same boat. He's starting to really understand his role and what he can do in this
league."
Veteran forward Antawn Jamison was also phenomenal and contributed 19 points. The Cavs were aggressive, accurate and completely outshined the rusty Bobcats in the shooting department. They shot 45-90 (50%) from the floor including
10-21 from downtown in contrast to 40-90 from the Bobcats.
The Bobcats main scorer this season, Boris Diaw was fouled out of the first half, which was a major setback for the team. In his absence, D.J Augustin stepped up and carried the team by pounding game high 26 points and 9 rebounds.
Corey Maggette had 21 points while Gerald Henderson bundled 16.
The Bobcats fired from the start and finished the first frame with a 7 point lead 34-27. However, in the next quarter, the Cavs turned the tables and finished the first half leading by 57-51.
The Cavs never trailed after that.
Bobcats ran out of gas in the third and deciding quarter and displayed poor defence that allowed Irving, Antawn and Thompson to score quickly and seal the victory for their team.
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