Down by 3 with 4 seconds to go, Kyrie and the Cavaliers are thinking that it’s over as Kawhi Leonard goes to the foul line to ice the game. Thing is, the chaos was just now starting to unfold.
The night when Irving went god mode to save his team from a seemingly definitive loss, deserves a flashback. And for that, we need to go back to the beginning of that 2014-15 season.
It all started with this…
Lebron comes back and forms a big three along with Kyrie and Kevin Love which instantly made them title favorites. But it was far from smooth sailing at the start.
The issues with Cleveland were apparent right away as they were still trying to figure out the chemistry and the roles between them.
It didn't help that players often disagreed with coach David Blatt.
In a tight game against the Knicks, Kyrie reacted badly to Blatt’s decision to call a timeout, instead of letting him dance against the defender.
But that’s nowhere close to what Lebron did.
This went viral and just added fuel to the media rumors that Cavs players don’t like their coach.
So with all the drama surrounding this team, Cleveland was a mediocre 5 seed in the East around Christmas.
But things got from bad to worse as Lebron decided to take some time off dealing with some nagging injuries, and the Cavs dropped a ton of games, slipping to the 6th seed with a shocking record of 19-20 midway through January, and questions began whether this team has what it takes to be a contender, can Irving and Love be the main contributors on a championship team, and did James make a mistake coming back?
But as Lebron came back rested and recovered he famously stated
"I have a responsibility to lead and to be better." basically taking everything in his own hands.
And all of a sudden the Cavs started to click going on a 12 game winning streak.
Kyrie who was only 22 at the time was on fire during this streak, as he shot 49.4% from long range, and averaged 24.5 points and 5 assists per game, exploding for a career high 55 points against the Trail Blazers while hitting 11 threes.
But this was only a hint of what was about to happen just a month later on a nationally televised game.
Against the reigning champions on the road, with everyone watching, this was the moment for the Cavs to prove that they’re for real.
But nobody in the arena had any idea that this man was about to have an iconic performance.
Kyrie started to destroy the Spurs defense in the pick and roll driving inside for the finish.
3.38 i 2.00 SO ZVUK
Still, there was absolutely no indication of an epic night as Irving only had 6 points in the first quarter and he stayed there until midway through the second. But then he started cooking.
And things started to escalate during this sequence where it’s 3 straight possessions of Kyrie dominating.
In just over half a quarter, Kyrie dropped 16 points adding to the drama of this back and forth game.
Now, everything got a little tighter in the third, and it was a low scoring quarter. Irving however still found ways to the bucket, beating the tough defense.
But despite his 30 points through three quarters the Cavs were down in the 4th and San Antonio’s defense kept hounding Kyrie. Thing is, he responded in the best possible way. Creating both for himself and his teammates.
But it was all Kyrie and Lebron for Cleveland, while the Spurs’ balanced attack kept the Cavs at distance and with a minute to go this looked like a game over to everyone. Well, everyone except this guy…
The Spurs however hit em back with what looks like the dagger to make it a 6 point game.
Cleveland calls a desperation time out needing a quick three to even have hopes to stay alive in this one. And you know who they go to…
With a defensive stop, the Cavs could have a chance to tie the game, but they fail to secure the rebound…
The arena explodes and now it’s finally over, as even Kyrie’s face says it.
Kawhi goes to the line and only needs 1 free throw to seal the deal. Buuut he misses the first.
And all of a sudden things get interesting again as the pressure builds up on Leonard.
Wooow Kawhi leaves the door open for a Cleveland miracle. 1 more shot to get it to overtime.
And everyone already knows who the ball is gonna go to.
What a shot by Irving stopping on a dime just inches away from the line, and raising up above Leonard to knock down another 16 points in the 4th quarter sending it to OT.
Now that he carried them all the way to this point, Kyrie saved his best for last, and went nuclear in overtime.
And it was Lebron who put the final nail in the coffin of San Antonio, in a win for the ages.
In 3 and a half minutes of extra time Kyrie dropped 11 more points for a total of 57 on a perfect 7 of 7 from downtown. Kyrie’s 57 was actually a new franchise record as well, topping LeBron’s 56, 10 years prior.
A mind blowing performance showing the entire country and the world that the Cavs are for real.
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