Most NBA players and coaches know they can’t look too far ahead in any season; an 82-game endeavor that is long and full of trials, including back-to-back sets, long road trips, and divisional match-ups. However, Kyrie Irving, star point guard for the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers, already has his eye on one team he’d like to face in the playoffs.
After besting the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night (113-102) inside Quicken Loans Arena, Irving, who tallied 31 points and a career-high 13 assists, spoke with conviction on his desire to face the team hailing from Wisconsin in this year’s NBA Playoffs.
Joe Vardon of www.cleveland.com recants Irving’s words in his recent article with www.cleveland.com.
I hope. I hope, man. I hope. They’re a great young team. It would be great to go four games against them. I’m fired up to go against them every time now, for real. Ever since they kicked our (butt) in Milwaukee, it’s been personal and it’s going to continue to be personal.”
Cavs superstar, LeBron James, who admits that Mikwaukee plays his Cavs hard, spoke highly of the Bucks as well, saying:
The next several years they could be really, really good. For me, I’m ready for whatever matchup. It doesn’t matter if it’s this year, or if it’s several years, I’m going to be ready for it.”
As of now, the Bucks are 13-14, but it seems they’re on the rise in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee’s 118-101 victory over Cleveland on November 29th seemed to leave a lasting impression on Irving’s mind. Whether or not these two teams meet in the playoffs is yet to be seen, but one thing is sure, Irving and the Cavs will be ready if the opportunity presents itself.
