Kyrie Irving Was Visibly Unhappy David Blatt Called a Late Timeout Against the Knicks

David Blatt, the 1st year head coach (in name only?) of the Cavs, called a timeout late in the 4th quarter Thursday night to set up a final play for Cleveland against the Knicks. Cleveland was up one and had the ball, and as point guard Kyrie Irving dribbled around near midcourt, wondering who he might take off the dribble, Blatt called timeout.

Check out Irving’s reaction. He might as well have asked “WTF are you doing?”

I wonder if that’s LeBron rubbing off on Irving. LeBron, frequently this season, has been seen taking command in the huddle, with the rookie coach silent, and the players listening.

Blatt won this round – whatever he called in the huddle worked: Irving took Iman Shumpert off the dribble for a gorgeous lefty layup to give Cleveland a 90-87 lead. The Knicks didn’t score again and the Cavs won their 5th straight.

The Cavs are rolling over the East (8-3), but have struggled against the West (2-4), and Blatt’s still getting a feel for his team as the Cavs near the 1/4 mark.