Kyrie Irving

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Irving’s journey in Cleveland began immediately after his injury-plagued rookie season, where he averaged 18.5 points and 46.9% shooting to win Rookie of the Year honors. By 2013, he had broken a hand during summer league practice but returned to score a then-career-high 41 points against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, becoming the youngest player ever to do so at that venue. His playmaking exploded in the 2013–2014 season when he recorded his first career triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Utah Jazz, followed by a 44-point effort against Charlotte. The true turning point came in 2016; after LeBron James returned to form a 'Big Three' alongside Kevin Love, Irving delivered the championship-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the Finals against the Golden State Warriors, completing a historic comeback from a 3–1 deficit.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Quicken Loans Arena was thick with forty years of frustration as Game Seven of the 2016 NBA Finals reached its final moments. The Cleveland Cavaliers trailed the Golden State Warriors until Irving stepped to the free-throw line and later, near the top of the key, created his own shot. With the series tied and history on the line, he dribbled once, twice, and released a smooth three-pointer that swished through the net to seal the victory. The roar of the crowd was deafening as players collapsed in celebration, marking Irving not just as a star, but as the man who delivered the city its most cherished championship.

Reader's Guide

Kyrie Irving entered the league in 2011 as the number one overall pick and immediately became a focal point for Cleveland fans. During his six-year tenure, he developed into an elite scorer and playmaker, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2012 and his first All-Star selection in 2013. He was named the MVP of the 2014 All-Star Game after recording 31 points and 14 assists. His skill set allowed him to score 40+ points multiple times, including a career-high 44 against Charlotte. Irving's legacy is defined by his clutch performance in the 2016 NBA Finals, where he made the championship-winning three-pointer to secure a historic comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors. Although he requested a trade after the 2017 season, his time in Cleveland produced the franchise's only championship and cemented his status as a legend of the city.

Did You Know?

• Irving became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points at Madison Square Garden, doing so one year younger than Michael Jordan achieved the feat.
• He recorded his first career triple-double on February 28, 2014, against the Utah Jazz with 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.
• Irving was named the MVP of the 2014 NBA All-Star Game, recording 31 points and 14 assists in a 163–155 victory for the East.