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Kyrie Irving Says Flagrant Foul on Justin Anderson Was to Protect LeBron James

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving revealed his flagrant foul in the first quarter against Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Anderson was meant to serve as payback for an earlier play against LeBron James.

On Friday, the officials assessed Irving a flagrant-1 less than 90 seconds into the contest at Quicken Loans Arena for shoving Anderson in the back as he was running to the sideline to retrieve the basketball.

"Whether it was malicious or not...I kinda saw Justin kinda lower his shoulder and knock down Bron," Irving said, per ESPN.