CLEVELAND -- The Boston Celtics rested star guard Kyrie Irving for Tuesday night's 116-106 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Irving is averaging 23.8 points, and the Celtics want to keep him as fresh as possible going into the postseason.
Center Al Horford (sore left knee) and forward Jayson Tatum (back contusion) returned for Boston after missing time with injuries. Horford had 19 points in 27 minutes; Tatum had a team-high 21 in 34.
Irving played his first six seasons with Cleveland. The six-time All-Star demanded a trade following the 2016-17 season and was dealt to Boston. He hasn't played in Cleveland since the 2017-18 opener.
