By ADAM ZAGORIA
ESPN’s Mark Jackson called out Kyrie Irving for not being on the Celtics’ bench during their Game 7 loss to LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals in Boston.
Irving, who was traded to the Celtics from the Cavs, had been on Boston’s bench during their run through the playoffs, but was not there during Game 7 even as Gordon Hayward (also injured) sat on the end of the bench.
Jackson said he wasn’t sure if there was some type of emergency or extenuating circumstances, but wondered on ESPN why Irving wasn’t there to support and coach his younger players.
Mark Jackson calling out Kyrie for not being on the bench.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 28, 2018
The Cavs won 87-79 and will face the Rockets/Warriors winner in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.
This marks James’ eighth straight appearance in the NBA Finals.
“I’m trying to squeeze this orange till there’s no more juice left,” James, who went for 35 points, 15 rebounds and 9 rebounds, told ESPN. “It’s a heck of an accomplishment for our ball club, without our All-Star power forward [Kevin Love]…This team was undefeated in the postseason at home, and for us to do this and for me to be able to lead these guys, it’s a treat.”
“He’s the best player in the world. I’m glad he’s on my side,” Cavs coach Ty Lue said on air. “And going into a Game 7, you want the best player in the world on your side.”
The Cavs did it despite a strong game from Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum, who, finished with 25 points and 7 rebounds, and who, like Irving, went to Duke.
Among his 25 was this dunk over LeBron.
Jayson Tatum. Lordy. pic.twitter.com/Ii5qumvd63
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 28, 2018
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