“Sh*t man I’m going to Kyrie” – ‘Gassed’ LeBron James the REAL REASON behind Ty Lue turning to Kyrie Irving for the biggest Game 7 shot in NBA history
Tyronn Lue details the decision behind Kyrie Irving's historic 2016 finals shot.
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Tyronn Lue (Via NBA) and Kyrie Irving (Via DAVID LIAM KYLE/NBAE VIA GETTY)
Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue recently opened up about one of the most iconic decisions in NBA history. In an appearance on the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, Lue described the moments leading up to Kyrie Irving taking what would become one of the biggest shots in NBA history during the 2016 NBA Finals.
Despite LeBron James, the four-time MVP, playing an essential role throughout the series and having a higher point average, Irving was chosen to make the game-winning shot against the Golden State Warriors.
Lue recalled the situation, “Bron had just made that big block, and he was exhausted. He hadn’t come out of the game the whole game, so he was done.” Lue further detailed how he approached the critical moment, “We came to the bench, there was a minute and 13 left. Bron was there, he got the wet towel. So, I’m just looking like, ‘Sh*t man, I’m going to Kyrie.”
After that timeout, Lue made a choice that would go down in history. “I said, ‘JR you got to set a hard screen, make him and Kyrie you gotta fly off to force a switch.’ I didn’t think he was gonna take a three, I thought he was gonna go to the rack. He sized him up, step back to the right, that’s one of the biggest shots in NBA history.”
LeBron James’ dominance vs. Kyrie Irving’s clutch performance
The Cavaliers’ historic 3-1 comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals showcased LeBron James’ impressive average of 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists. With 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, Kyrie Irving was also a standout MVP contender.
However, it was Game 7 where both stars truly shined. James played an incredible 47 minutes, averaging a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on 9-of-24 shooting from the floor. Irving, playing 43 minutes, put up 26 points, six rebounds, and an assist, shooting 10-of-23 from the field.
Due to Lue’s strategy of rotating his team with just three additional players off the bench, James was under significant pressure throughout the series, making Irving’s relief role pivotal. Irving’s heroics in Game 7, especially his championship-clinching shot, ensured the Cavs’ victory and their place in the history of the NBA.
The 2016 NBA Finals will always be remembered for the Cavaliers’ epic comeback, James’ dominance, and Irving’s clutch performance, solidifying their legacy as one of the NBA’s most formidable duos.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)