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Kyrie Irving Dominates Elite Point Guards Daily, Nightly, and Ever So Rightly.

In his first professional match-up against Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving scorched the All-Star veteran point guard for 24 points and 10 assists to help lead his Cavaliers to their second win of this young season. For many who haven't watched him regularly, this was their first look at just how amazing Kyrie Irving can be. For those of us who followed his rookie season, we know that this isn't the first time that Kyrie has out-played an All-Star PG their first time meeting. In fact, he has a history of doing just this very thing.

By Angelo Benedetti
Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE

I'll be the first to tell you that you can't really draw any meaningful conclusions from one game. There are too many variables, too many intangibles, too much chance to say anything with any degree of certainty from one game. You just can't do it.

That said, did you see what Kyrie Irving did to Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers last night? 24 points, 10 assists, his second career double-double. A mind-blowing no-look pass to Tyler Zeller. Drawing the defense to allow Dion Waiters to land seven three-point attempts. A three-point dagger to seal the game right in the face of Deandre Jordan.

Are you not entertained?

It was a marquee match-up for fans of point guards. Due to injuries, this was the first time that Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul would meet on the hardwood. And, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Kyrie Irving looked to be the better player. At least for one night. While one game means little in the vast picture of the NBA season, there is one thing that's crystal clear after last night. Kyrie Irving shifts into another gear the first time he faces off against an All-Star point guard.

Would you believe me if I said that Kyrie Irving has lead the Cavaliers to victory the first time he's faced off against any point guard selected to the All-Star game since 2011 except one? Outside of a loss to Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs, Kyrie Irving has led his team to victory every single time he's faced off against All-Star competition for the first time. And he's looked incredible each and every time. Don't believe me? Take a look:

When it's time for Kyrie to face-off against the guys whose names get thrown around in the "best point guard playing today" conversation, he rises to the challenge and more often than not, walks away the victor. Even when his supporting players are guys the likes of Antawn Jamison, Anthony Parker and Ryan Hollins he's managed to lead his team to victories over teams with guys like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. And this is all before he can even buy his first alcoholic drink legally.

Kid gets buckets.

Now, I'm sure you've noticed a glaring omission to this list of All-Stars that have fallen to Kyrie upon their first encounter. And sadly, it looks like that matchup will have to wait another year because of injuries. But when it finally happens, and Kyrie Irving faces off for the first time against Derrick Rose in his third year in the NBA, we can be guaranteed a show. And maybe, just maybe, by that point in time, Kyrie Irving will be able to call himself an All-Star as well.

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