Sunday, 28 Apr 2024

Top NBA Finals moments: Kyrie Irving’s clutch 3-pointer seals 2016 Finals

The NBA Finals have been the stage for some incredible basketball moments throughout history. One of the most iconic moments came in 2016, during Game 7 of the Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. With the game tied and only 69 seconds left on the clock, the pressure was on for both teams.

The Cavaliers had possession of the ball and looked to their star point guard, Kyrie Irving, to make a play. Irving utilized a pick-and-roll with J.R. Smith to get the Warriors’ Stephen Curry switched onto him defensively. With the shot clock winding down, Irving danced with the ball before stepping back and nailing a 25-foot jumper from beyond the arc.

This shot proved to be the game-winner and sealed the championship for the Cavaliers. It was a remarkable moment for Irving, who had suffered a knee injury in the previous Finals and missed the majority of that series. This time, he rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered most.

The significance of Irving’s shot cannot be understated. Both teams had gone on a scoring drought, and it seemed like the game could go either way. But Irving’s shot broke the deadlock and gave the Cavaliers the lead. From there, the final seconds were a blur of fouls and missed opportunities for the Warriors.

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The Wall Street Journal even deemed Irving’s shot as “the biggest shot in NBA history.” The analytics team at the Journal took into account various factors such as win probability, the importance of Game 7, the Warriors’ record-breaking season, and the tension in the arena. All these elements combined to make Irving’s shot stand out among other historic moments.

For Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin, that possession felt like the most important one in their lives. It was a high-pressure situation, with the outcome of the game and the series hanging in the balance. But Irving’s clutch shot delivered the championship to Cleveland and solidified his place in NBA history.

The NBA Finals have seen many incredible moments, but Irving’s clutch 3-pointer in 2016 will always be remembered as one of the greatest. It showcased his skill, composure under pressure, and ability to rise to the occasion. No matter what happens in future Finals, this moment will forever hold a special place in basketball lore.


The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs, or Turner Broadcasting.

FAQs

1. How did Kyrie Irving’s clutch shot impact the 2016 NBA Finals?
Kyrie Irving’s clutch 3-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals sealed the championship for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It broke a tie game and gave the Cavaliers the lead, with only seconds remaining on the clock. The shot proved to be the game-winner and is considered one of the biggest shots in NBA history.

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2. How does Kyrie Irving’s shot compare to other historic NBA Finals moments?
According to the Wall Street Journal, Kyrie Irving’s shot in the 2016 NBA Finals is considered the biggest shot in NBA history. The Journal’s analytics team took into account various factors such as win probability, the significance of Game 7, and the tension in the arena. Although there have been other memorable shots in NBA Finals history, Irving’s shot is widely regarded as one of the most clutch.

3. What impact did Kyrie Irving’s shot have on his legacy?
Kyrie Irving’s shot in the 2016 NBA Finals solidified his place in basketball history. It showcased his skill, composure under pressure, and ability to rise to the occasion. Irving had missed the majority of the previous Finals due to injury, so his game-winning shot in 2016 was a redemption moment. It will forever be a part of his legacy as one of the greatest shots in NBA history.

Summary

In the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving delivered a clutch 3-pointer that sealed the championship for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The shot came in Game 7, with only 69 seconds remaining on the clock and the game tied. Irving utilized a pick-and-roll to get the switch onto him defensively, and despite Stephen Curry’s defense, he managed to hit a 25-foot jumper from beyond the arc. This shot broke the deadlock and gave the Cavaliers the lead. The significance of Irving’s shot, considering win probability, the importance of Game 7, and the tension in the arena, deemed it as one of the biggest shots in NBA history.

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