Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Irving liked the new starting lineup enough to bring it up on his own after the game. The numbers, albeit based on a small sample size, suggest he may have a point. Monday’s starters now own a 25.2 net rating over 52 minutes — statistics that put that group sixth among the NBA’s 76 lineups with at least 50 minutes played. Irving said it takes pressure off him when Smart’s on the court to guard an opponent’s best ball handler and take on some of the playmaking responsibilities.