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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Reasons the Cavs will beat the Celtics

By Nick Dudukovich

Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) works the ball against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) works the ball against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) in the first quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket while Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defends during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket while Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defends during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Attack Kyrie? Please. Attack Isaiah

This story from ESPN.com lists attacking Kyrie Irving as a way the Celtics may get an advantage on the Cavs.

"Irving is not considered a strong defender, so the Celtics could take advantage there. Jeff Teague, Kyle Lowry and Paul George were able to score over Irving when he was their primary defender (20-of-36 this postseason). He has held everyone else to a combined 7-of-36 from the field. If the Celtics can get matchups of Irving guarding Isaiah Thomas, look out. Thomas shot 46 percent (25-of-54) from 3-point range against the Wizards."

There’s no defending Kyrie. He’s not a max player for anything he does on the defensive side of the ball. On the other hand, he’s capable of playing good defense. Look no further than Game 7 of last year’s NBA Finals.

But it is, what it is. Usually, he’s not great on D. However, on the flip side, let’s examine Isaiah Thomas.

“MVP, MVP, MVP” you’ll hear the Celtics fans’ chant.

Yeah, the MVP of the league can’t be a player with a  -4.08 Defensive Real Plus Minus. That’s dead last among the 91 point guards ranked. Dead last.

Next: Goodyear to have logo on Cavs' uniforms next season

We won’t know until we see it, but look for Avery Bradley to handle Kyrie when Irving has the rock, because Thomas won’t be able to contain him. With that said, Thomas has got to guard somebody, which could mean a big series for J.R. Smith or Iman Shumpert. Perhaps Stevens will stick him on Korver.

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