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Cavaliers weather third quarter Boston run to escape with 102-99 win; three takeaways

BONUS: Return of Kyrie

The return of Kyrie Irving to Cleveland caused this game to have some of the biggest buildup in recent memory for a tip-off game.

In his debut as a Celtic, Irving recorded 22 points and a game-high 10 assists. He was greeted during pregame introduction with mostly boos and scattered cheers. Every time he touched the ball in the beginning of the game, he was also heartily booed but that died down as the contest went on.

Irving greeted Iman Shumpert prior to the game, but James and Wade went to him to bump knuckles prior to tip-off. Following the game, Irving participated in some signature handshakes with his old teammates.

While the buildup and emotions may have been intense on both sides, ultimately once the ball was tipped there was no looking back for Irving or the Cavs.

“Anytime you win a championship with someone you automatically think about the moments, the memories, especially with someone who was instrumental to what we were able to accomplish,” James said. “But once the ball went up, it was kind of back to the regularly scheduled program.”

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Ashley is a former basketball player who covers the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indians and high school sports for NEO Sports Insiders. She also covers the Cavs for SB Nation's Fear The Sword. Ashley is a 2015 graduate of John Carroll University and previously worked in political journalism. You can follow her on Twitter @AshleyBastock42

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