Kyrie Irving Just Played The Game Of His Life

Only Wilt Chamberlin has also done what the 24-year-old just did.
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Ezra Shaw via Getty Images

With just about 7:30 remaining in the game and Cleveland doing everything in its power to hold off Golden State, Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving put his head down and went to work.

First, he laced in between Splash Brothers Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Then, he sliced between Andre Iguodola and Thompson, before spinning, drawing the foul on the latter and kissing a shot off the glass and through the net. With the ensuing free throw, the Cavaliers’ lead was pushed to 10 -- and it looked as if their season was to be extended at least one more game.

But just for insurance, the Cleveland point guard hit another left-side banker two possessions later. And then, after nearly slipping, he regained his balance, spun on his defender’s back and sunk a twister near the left elbow the subsequent play down the court. Finally, the next time he got the rock -- off a dish from LeBron James -- he promptly drilled a 26-foot right-wing trey to complete his 41-point night and put his team up 13, thereby officially sending the series back to Cleveland for a Game 6.

Thanks to the heroics of both Irving and James, who himself poured in 41 on the night, the Cavaliers were able to withstand a bombshell of a performance from the Warriors’ Thompson, ultimately winning Monday’s contest, 112-97. It was the first time ever two teammates each had 40-plus points in the same NBA Finals game. The Warriors now lead the series, 3-2.

The level of difficulty involved in Irving’s moves and makes became downright silly as the game went on. He spun. He scooped. He slipped and skipped his way through the key seemingly at will. While James did much of his damage from straightforward jumpers, Irving carved his way across the hardwood play after play, earning every bucket and finishing the night 17-24 from the field. 

James, moments after the contest ended, called Irving’s performance “special” and “spectacular,” predicting that it will go down as one of the all-time great performances in Finals history. Irving, however, attributed his success to competing alongside a player like James -- a guy who attracts so much of the defense’s attention, no matter where he is on the court, no matter who else is lighting up the scoreboard.

Even as the Warriors began the evening shorthanded -- Draymond Green spent the night away from Oracle Arena, serving his one-game suspension -- they became even more so when Andrew Bogut went down with what was called a sprained knee in the second half. Per ESPN's Marc Stein, the center will have an MRI on Tuesday, which will likely determine his status for Thursday's matchup.

The home team did, however, manage to start strong out of the gate, taking the lead in the contest’s opening minutes, However, the first half quickly shifted into a chess game, with the clubs trading offensive acrobatics every time down the floor. In fact, the teams’ combined 122 points prior to halftime was the most in a first half of a Finals contest since 1987, per ABC.

While the Warriors were led by Thompson’s long-range marksmanship -- the Splash Brother knocked in 6-of-8 threes for 26 points in the first 24 minutes alone -- Cleveland was spearheaded in the early going by, you guessed it, the James-Irving pairing, which combined for 43 points on 18-of-28 shooting before the break. 

But the play of the first half undoubtedly went to Warriors back-up point guard Shaun Livingston. With 9:23 to go in the second period, Livingston, ball in his hands, curled around the top of the key and barreled through the paint, elevating for the one-handed jam and posterizing Cleveland’s Richard Jefferson. 

Nevertheless, short-staffed without Green, the Warriors just couldn’t keep up with the Cavaliers’ one-three power punch, as MVP Steph Curry had another off night, shooting just 8-of-21. And even Thompson, who had a remarkable first half, couldn’t maintain the pace following intermission, finishing, yes, with 37, but also ending the evening with a team-low -21 +/- rating.

Now, we’re headed back to Cleveland. The Warriors have lost consecutive games only one time this season -- last series, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But if the Cavaliers don’t want to play host to another Warriors champagne party later this week, they’ll have to find a way to nab that feat, Golden State’s record be damned.

And if Irving and James continue to play like they did tonight -- well, Cleveland just may have a chance.

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Before You Go

Epic Shots From The 2016 NBA Finals
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors drives with the ball on Matthew Dellavedova #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) (credit:Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes up for the layup against the Golden State Warriors during the 2016 NBA Finals Game Two on June 5, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Jesse D. Garrabrant via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Nathaniel S. Butler via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Carlos Santana and his wife Cindy Blackman perform the national anthem prior to Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (credit:Ronald Martinez via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes to the basket against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Nathaniel S. Butler via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers kneels on the floor in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against Richard Jefferson #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Garrett Ellwood via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stand on the court in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Andrew D. Bernstein via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Nathaniel S. Butler via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors throws up a shot against Tristan Thompson #13 and Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Nathaniel S. Butler via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers controls the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Festus Ezeli #31 of the Golden State Warriors goes for the dunk during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Garrett Ellwood via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: A view of the Finals logo prior to the game of the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Golden State Warriors during game two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Andrew D. Bernstein via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Nathaniel S. Butler via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Golden State Warriors dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Andrew D. Bernstein via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives through Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) (credit:Thearon W. Henderson via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Andre Iguoadala #9 of the Golden State Warriors stretches against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Andrew D. Bernstein via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 05: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives with the ball against Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (credit:Ezra Shaw via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: The opening tip off in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 5, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Andrew D. Bernstein via Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 5: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against Andrew Bogut #12 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) (credit:Nathaniel S. Butler via Getty Images)