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Cavs' Waiters serves up some love for teammate Irving

Dion Waiters says he and Kyrie Irving are best young backcourt in the NBA.

LOOKS AS IF Cavaliers guards Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving are on better terms.

Last season, things reportedly got so heated between the two that a players-only meeting was called.

Yesterday, Waiters gave Irving some love while commenting on a statement by Wizards guard Bradley Beal.

On Monday, Beal said he and John Wall were "definitely the best backcourt in the league."

Yesterday, Waiters responded.

"That's nonsense," the Philly-born Waiters told reporters after practice. "[Beal] is supposed to say that, but I know deep down, he's not messing with me and Ky. I think me and Ky are the best backcourt, young backcourt. That's all."

Waiters, who played at Syracuse, was picked fourth overall by the Cavs in the 2012 draft. He grew up in Philly and split his freshman year of high school between Bartram and Southern, but didn't play ball at either school. He spent his sophomore year at a boarding school in Connecticut before transferring to Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J., where he played as a junior and senior.

Yesterday, he said the offseason additions of LeBron James, Shawn Marion and Mike Miller have added a veteran presence that has helped the team.

"The locker room is totally different from the first 2 years I've been here," Waiters said. "It's a different type of vibe. Everybody is talking, outgoing and then you got the vets who are easy to go to and talk to. They've been [in the league] 10-plus years, all three of them. It's just a great thing to be a part of."

Heavyweight memory

Hard to believe, but it was 39-years ago today that Muhammad Ali posted a 15-round victory over Joe Frazier in a bout dubbed the "Thrilla in Manila."

It was the third and final fight between the two legendary boxers. Frazier won the first, then lost the next two.