Hardwood Houdini
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Can Kyrie Irving Get Boston’s First Win In Cleveland?

By Jack Phillips

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving poses for a portrait after getting introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving poses for a portrait after getting introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Can Kyrie Irving start his career with the Boston Celtics the right way by taking down his former team on opening night?

When I think of awkwardness, I normally think of an ex-boyfriend seeing his ex-girlfriend for the first time since he caught her cheating on him. But ever since late August, my analogy has changed to the entire Kyrie Irving situation in Cleveland.

I will admit, Irving looks really good in the Boston Celtics green and white (especially with the new number). I’m excited to see what he can produce with a new franchise, and I bet he’s really ecstatic to have the opportunity to get back on the court with his new team.

But here’s the catch, the first game is back in Cleveland… That’s the most awkward situation I probably can think of. Obviously the NBA set it up this way to get their ratings through the roof, but I know I’m not the only one who’s super excited to see this game.

October 17th, 2017 will definitely be a date you guys want to mark on your calendars. Not only should the game be a great game overall, but the underlying tension between both teams will make it a lot more interesting.

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The only thing that could make this game more awkward would be if Isaiah Thomas magically healed his hip injury and suited up for the game. Imagine that for a second everyone, that would be the peak of awkwardness.

Disregarding the tension for a second, there are some matchups that should be fun to watch. At the point guard matchup, it’ll be Derrick Rose vs. Uncle Drew. I know, Irving should smoke Rose in this matchup. But I must warn you Celtics fans, as a passionate fan of Rose, he might show some signs of his former MVP self (considering all the talent that’s surrounding him again).

Irving making his return to Cleveland might take a large psychological toll on himself as well, so I won’t guarantee this victory for Irving. However, a matchup victory that I can guarantee is the hypothetical Gordon Hayward vs. J.R. Smith (you know the winner Celtics fans).

Cleveland Cavaliers fans may disagree, but I expect Hayward to show out in his first game in a Celtics uniform and leave Smith in the dust. It is possible that Hayward could stay at the small forward position, in which he would have to face Lebron James, but we’ll stick with the original matchup for now.

Speaking of the King, I’m not even going to argue the fact that James will win his matchup, no matter who tries to guard him. I’m sorry Celtics fans, but we all know he’s the best player in the league, and he’ll definitely be on a mission to stop Boston from winning on his court.

Next: Should the Celtics Consider Stephen Marbury?

That brings us to the most important question: Can Irving get Boston’s first win in Cleveland?  It’ll be tough (that’s for sure), but I think that if he can stay composed and cool throughout the game (and keep that Mamba Mentality), the Celtics can emerge victorious. Save the date Celtics fans, because all we know is that this game’s a little more personal than usual.

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