His rebounding efficiency + FG% of 50% to 60+ in the paint for 2 and high 30s for 3 brings more value to the team than anyone after Lebron James. He got injured because Olynick had no chance to beat him for the rebound and while don't know Cleveland's mindset or perception it is common for sports franchises to shy away from someone due to an injury (like Arizona giving away Boldin) so I expect a little hesitation on Cleveland's part that may come into play in contract negotiations but he will definitely draw some major interest and don't see Cleveland letting him go unless they can replace him easily -- they gave up some #1 overalls for him. Also don't see Kevin Love walking away from an opportunity to win so easily either.
Could be some bonding issues but with the cryptic statements I don't try to read too much into it one way or the other or readjusting to his new role but nothing really since February and James was a lot more harsher with Irving early in the season. That reminds me on injuries it is usually the leg or knee ones that I've seen send careers on a downfall. Amare Stoudemire off the top of my head but Irving is young, good chance he returns to form.
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A pro game in the 70's -- I loved the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals. I took a rooting interest in Indiana following Jordan's retirement, the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals was one for the ages but after falling to Knicks and 2001 they had an excellent team -- lead the league in FG%. Pretty much only Jeff Foster couldn't shoot except for Jermaine O'Neal & Al Harrington who they sent in garbage time but Jonathan Bender could, always impressed me with his opportunities but now where is he?
2004 ECF was very physical defensive series but great series. I was in awe watching Detroit's defense in the entirety to their Finals match-up against LA Lakers. Scores of 69-65, a team scored over 80 just 3 times. I remember the expectation was LA would cruise by Detroit easily but I realized I was watching something special. Indiana was great defensively too but Detroit was even better defensively against the Lakers than they were against Indiana. Winning in a so-called "5-game sweep".
For me anyways, I like to slow, physical defensive teams but what matters to me is efficiency or making the most of the possessions. I think Paul Westhead surrendered over 100 points to the Suns before halftime but some of the run and gun teams are overlooked for their defensive play. Golden State #3 in defensive pointer per possession caught my attention last year (this year they were #1)
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/_/sort/defensiveEff/year/2014
I did watch the 1976 triple overtime game Suns vs Boston back when ESPN Classics was on the regular cable package years ago and it truly was a great game. First time I had previous knowledge of the outcome and felt crushed as if it was a live broadcast.
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