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Was Cavaliers v. Celtics in Game 4 a 'passing of the torch' from LeBron James to Kyrie Irving?

Posted at 1:13 PM, May 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-25 13:39:06-04

Writing about the Cavaliers defeat of the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Akron Beacon Journal sports columnist Marla Ridenour observes: "The passing of the torch was so palpable that the hair on your arms might have been standing up."

In her May 24 column, Ridenour considers the relationship between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving:

"...(W)hen their now-three-year partnership began in 2014, Irving wasn’t yet mature enough, wasn’t professional enough to take it on when age catches up to James or when he decides he’s delivered what he promised to Northeast Ohio."

A quote from Irving seems to indicate he's hoping a final passing of the torch won't happen anytime soon:

“You have to just enjoy the ride. Individual goals that you have to just push to the side because this team, nothing is promised, and who knows what would happen down the line. This is probably hands down the best team that I’ve ever played with and probably will play with if we all stay together.”

RELATED: Cleveland fans show their true colors at The Q as the Cavs face Boston in 2017 NBA Playoffs