https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXxt8hJbelo
It was a Cavs record. Yes, a franchise record, even after LeBron James’ first tenure in town. Kyrie Irving’s 57 points on the road in a 128-125 overtime win over the Spurs, was a Cleveland record. That wasn’t the only record he set.
Before we delve into the historical significance of his night, let’s first take a look at his shot chart. He hit 20 of his 32 attempts from the field, including a perfect 7-for-7 from the 3-point territory (there’s so much verdure here, it’s like some Ross Macdonald Lew Archer exposition):
But Irving wasn’t all about the long-ball, either. No, that’s not real time, but he felt like a halcyon force during certain possessions last night:
Then there was what his game meant this season:
Kyrie added to his resume tonight:
-Most Pts by player this season
-Most Pts by LeBron teammate
-Most Pts scored vs Popovich-coached team— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 13, 2015
#Cavs Kyrie Irving now has the two highest scoring games of the season, 57 so far tonight and previous high of 55
— Mike Monroe (@Monroe_SA) March 13, 2015
And historically:
Since 1990-91, only players w/ multiple 55+ point games in same season: Michael Jordan (1993), Kobe Bryant (2006, 2007), Kyrie Irving (2015)
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) March 13, 2015
Only 17 players have ever scored over 55 points, while shooting better than 62 percent from the field. Kyrie joins a rather distinguised list — including LeBron who had 61 last season against Charlotte on 66 percent shooting from the field, and Michael Jordan on four separate times (because of course). It’s also a list with a few surprising names included.
Kyrie’s last two minutes and overtime are only buttressed by a three barrage by LeBron at the end. It was a two-man show, but Kyrie was the star:
104 Irving three-pt play
107 Irving 3
110 Irving 3
Irving miss
113 Irving 3
116 Irving three-pt play
119 LBJ 3
122 Irving 3
125 LBJ 3— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneyNBA) March 13, 2015
We’ll have more on player reactions, but Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard summed it up nicely:
Danny Green said, as a player, he didn't realize magnitude of what Kyrie was doing until near the end. Said he looked up after 4th. "Jesus."
— Matthew Tynan (@Matthew_Tynan) March 13, 2015
Question to Kawhi: "have you ever seen a shooting performance like that?" Kawhi: "not even close." *Kawhi chuckle*
— Matthew Tynan (@Matthew_Tynan) March 13, 2015
Not only did Kyrie hit for 57, but it was in a tight game against the defending champions, and he saved it from becoming a wasted performance with this clutch three-pointer as regulation ended:
We don’t know how to guard Kyrie, either, Pop:
Pop on Kyrie: "He was unstoppable. I don't know how to guard that. We all know how talented he is, but he went to a new level tonight."
— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneyNBA) March 13, 2015
(video via @DawkinsMTA)