The Cleveland Cavaliers had a video tribute all prepared for the returning Kyrie Irving, who played in Cleveland for the first time since his controversial exit from the Cavs this offseason. The plan was to play that video sometime during the game.
But like Kyrie, the Cavs apparently had a sudden change of heart.
According to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, the Cavaliers opted not to play the video tribute because it was a floating moment which didn’t present itself.
The video was supposed to be a “thank you” to Kyrie Irving, who spent six seasons with the Cavs after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2011. Irving hit the game-winning shot in Game 7 against the Golden State Warriors in 2016 to give the franchise its first title in history.
It remains to be seen what caused the Cavs to change their mind and declare that the moment to honor Irving didn’t present itself — while the game was still ongoing.
Cleveland may have to wait a while before they get the chance to finally play the video again, if they ever decide to do so. Irving and the Celtics won’t visit Cleveland again in this regular season; their final two games against the Cavs will be at TD Garden.