Kyrie Irving was always known as the one of the flashiest PG’s in the NBA.
His elite handle along with his knack at finishing tough shots at the rim entertained NBA fans as he made the Cavaliers a fun team even before LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before LeBron and the winning, not many NBA fans considered him to be an elite point guard in this league; there are even some fans now that still don’t think that he is an elite point guard.
With a spectacular NBA Finals performance, a ring, and a strong start to the season however, Kyrie Irving deserves to be labeled as a top 5 point guard in the NBA.
Let’s go back to the most recent NBA Finals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. It is game 5 and the Warriors are just one win away from winning their second straight NBA title over LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and the Cavaliers. This was Golden State’s game to win, even with Draymond Green out with a suspension. It looked like Stephen Curry and company were gonna be two time champions while Cleveland continued their sports title drought. As great as LeBron James is, even he can’t win on his own, he needed someone to step up and help put pressure on the Warriors.
Kyrie Irving did just that.
He responded in game 5, dropping 41 points on a ridiculous 17-24 shooting as the Cavaliers beat the Warriors. You guys know what happens after.
After facing a 3 games to one deficit against the Warriors, the all-star guard averaged 30 points on 52% shooting capped off with the game winning three to complete Cleveland’s championship run. Irving in the series averaged 27 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.9 rebounds per game on 47 FG%, 40.5 3PT%, and 93.9 FT%; numbers that were far superior to two-time MVP, Steph Curry. Kyrie Irving has shown the league that he can thrive in the biggest of games in the NBA and that he embraces that role.
Kyrie Irving credited Laker great Kobe Bryant when he hit the game winning shot. Kyrie wants to be a player that isn’t afraid to take the big shot and that was evident against the Warriors.
video via: RedPoints Sports
His case for being a top 5 PG wasn’t just shown against Golden State, he has continued his strong play, so far averaging 23.9 PPG along with 5.7 APG on 47.6 FG%, 42.4 3PT%, and 88.5 FT%. Very solid numbers considering the fact that he is also playing behind LeBron James.
In their most recent win on Christmas Day, it was Kyrie Irving again who hit the game winning shot; fittingly enough, over the Golden State Warriors again.
Uncle Drew was once just an entertaining PG with the nice handles, now he’s more than that. Kyrie Irving is a champion, a competitor and much deserving of an “Elite guard” title.
Featured Photo Credits go to: EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES
