Cavs' Irving progressing in recovery; 'destroyed' LeBron 1-on-1
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been missing a third of their "Big Three" since Game 1 of last season's NBA Finals.
Since then, LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Co. have had to cope without fallen running mate, Kyrie Irving.
When the 23-year-old went down with a fractured knee cap in June, the speedy point guard faced being sidelined until the end of the calendar year.
Now, more than five months after the injury - which shelved him for the Cavs' run to a finals ultimately won by the Golden State Warriors - "Uncle Drew" is showing positive signs in his recovery, and even engaging in head-to-head matchups with "King James."
The three-time All-Star and James played modified 1-on-1 games Saturday, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Permitted to dribble only once per possession, they went back and forth in mini games to three points.
Although James eventually tied the series 2-2 before calling it a day, Irving apparently "destroyed" his backcourt partner, or so said a team source.
Cavs head coach David Blatt was pleased to see his fearless floor general back on the practice court.
"He’s certainly taking some steps forward," Blatt said of Irving, who recently returned to strength training.
"Again, can I put a number on it in terms of days left until we see him back out there fully? I really can’t. I’m not trying to keep it from you. I just don’t know. But definitely seeing progress in the last few days and that’s encouraging."
Related: Cavs' Blatt: Irving still has 'a ways to go' in recovery
In Irving's absence, Mo Williams has done a good job of filling in, averaging 15.5 points (35.7 percent from beyond the arc) and 5.3 assists.
Williams hasn't tallied such strong scoring numbers since 2009-10 - his last full season with the Cavs before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers midway through the 2010-2011 campaign.
Matthew Dellavedova has also contributed admirably with 7.3 points and 5.7 dimes.
Although Irving's exact return date has yet to be confirmed, Blatt sees more pep in the step of his star player.
"He recognizes that his time is coming," he said. "It bodes well for us and him. We miss him."