CLEVELAND, Ohio – Kyrie who?
With Irving in the building – making his second return to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse since he asked for an exchange in 2017, one that was the beginning of the end of the Cleveland Cavaliers Eastern Conference dynasty and turned Irving from a beloved assassin into a despised villain – the jewel of crown of that blockbuster trade buried the Brooklyn Nets.
Collin Sexton turned a highly anticipated clash into his magnum opus with a 3-point flood at the end of the game that led Cavs to a 147-135 win in double overtime, while the “Col-lin Sex-ton” chants reverberated for the whole arena.
This used to be Irving, the killer at the end of the game who landed the biggest shot in the franchise’s history, being serenaded by Cleveland faithful. Now that role belongs to Sexton, who came to town as a result of the 2017 summer blockbuster with the Boston Celtics and then boldly chose to wear the old Irving No. 2.
That was quite an act.
Sexton scored the highest record of his career with 42 points out of 16 out of 29 pitches and 5 out of 11 in the 3 point range in his first game back after an absence of five games due to an ankle sprain. Sexton poured seven points in the first overtime, including the 3-point tie on Irving’s face with 1.2 seconds remaining. Then Sexton exploded for another 15 points in the second overtime, responding to every bucket in Brooklyn. At one point, the third-year guard scored 20 consecutive points for the Cavs.
“He played it out of his mind,” said Cavs striker Cedi Osman, who scored 25 points and helped start the attack while Sexton shook off the rust. “It was fantastic.”
The bad feelings for Irving dissipated over time. This was clear early in the first quarter, when fans stood up and applauded after a tribute video of the celebration. It is easier to move on when there is something – or someone – more to grab. Instead of regretting who is no longer here, looking at the banners that Irving helped to hang and wondering if the franchise could ever return to that place, the Cavs continue to provide reasons for hope. This season and in the future. Sexton is at the center of this.
Wednesday was the most recent example. Playing against one of the league title favorites who recently signed James Harden, the Cavs’ eliminated did not back down, were not blinded by the Brooklyn trio of stars and did not allow the Nets to be shooting 10 out of 10 start burying them. Instead, Cavs did what they did all season: they played hard, purposefully, as a connected team.
So Sexton took over.
He overcame Durant, who scored 38 points from the Nets, and Irving, who finished with 37 in 15 of 28 shots.
There was Irving, a portrait of the glory years, when the Cavs were at the height of the NBA. It was a nervous start. His first game since a two-week hiatus for personal reasons, Irving opened the game with an offensive foul, trying to get past Sexton. Then another change came – a reckless pass taken by Andre Drummond.
But Irving eventually settled down. Playing in the city where he became a multi-time All-Star and brought back countless memories, there was more than a few flashback moments. His 3-point corner, directly in front of the Cavs bench, to cut a single 14-point lead to two with 4:12 remaining. His draw kick with about a minute to go.
With the ball in his hands late, Irving had a chance to play the hero. He took a detour after Sexton’s turn and started dribbling the floor with the clock ending. Irving advanced towards the basket and hit Sexton in the face with an elbow, initially scoring an offensive foul before Steve Nash’s challenge led to a takedown. The bouncing ball was touched by Durant and the clock expired, sending the game to the OT, where Sexton shone.
“What Collin has proven several times against all his skeptics is that he is not afraid of big moments and likes moments of pressure,” said coach JB Bickerstaff. “Not everyone in our league has the courage to do what he did tonight. Not everyone in our league has the ability to do what he did tonight. Give credit to the whole team for their resilience and for staying with them in difficult times. But Collin Sexton brought us home tonight. “
The Cavs used to be the Nets – a collection of stars with the ability to erase mistakes early in the game and dominate opponents with talent. It looked like this was going to be the difference for Brooklyn late, stealing a win with Harden drives, Durant jumpers and Irving buckets.
Not this time. Not with Sexton. All Irving could do was smile, laugh and shake his head, the same reactions that opponents used to have after their explosions of individual scoring.
“I definitely accepted the challenge,” said Sexton. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy – because it’s Kyrie.”
The two players will be forever connected. But nights like this allow Sexton to step out of that shadow and start creating his own legacy.
Still waiting
The Cavs were without Darius Garland for the eighth consecutive game due to a sprained right shoulder. Garland participated in training on Monday and Tuesday, a positive sign for an approaching comeback. But Cavs wanted to be cautious with the young shipowner. Dylan Windler recovered from his fractured left hand, but an administrative problem – related to hiring Yogi Ferrell last Monday with one exception of difficulty – prevented him from getting dressed.
Next
The Cavs will host the Nets once again on Friday night. Delivery is scheduled for 7:30 pm
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