Celebrate Kyrie Irving’s birthday by revisiting his top 5 NBA performances, featuring unforgettable moments such as his 42-point comeback against the Celtics and his game-winning shot in the playoffs.
Kyrie Irving was born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, to Drederick and Elizabeth Irving. With a father who played basketball, he was introduced to the sport early on.
Today, on his birthday, we are highlighting his top five NBA performances.
**#5. 42-Point Comeback Against the Boston Celtics (March 23, 2017)**
Kyrie Irving’s outstanding performance against the Boston Celtics is one of his career highlights. On March 23, 2017, Irving led the Cavaliers to victory with a dominant display. Despite injuring his left ankle in the third quarter, he stayed on the court and scored 19 points in that quarter alone, finishing the game with 42 points. His dedication and skill were crucial in securing the win.
**#4. Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals (June 19, 2016)**
Irving’s performance in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is remembered for one iconic moment rather than his overall stats. In a tense match against the Golden State Warriors, Irving made a decisive 25-foot 3-point shot against Stephen Curry with less than a minute left, breaking the 89-89 tie and sealing the championship for the Cavaliers. The Wall Street Journal called it “the biggest shot in NBA history,” highlighting Irving’s poise and talent at just 24 years old.
**#3. Hot Streak on April 5, 2021**
On April 5, 2021, Irving had a spectacular performance for the Brooklyn Nets, leading them to a 114-112 victory over the New York Knicks. During the 10 games following the All-Star break, he averaged 30.0 points per game, including three 40-point games. His efficiency was notable, shooting 52.1 percent from the field. In a game against the Boston Celtics, Irving scored 39 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Nets’ 141-126 win and securing a 3-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.
**#2. 57-Point Game Against the San Antonio Spurs (March 12, 2015)**
Irving delivered an extraordinary performance on March 12, 2015, scoring a career-high 57 points against the San Antonio Spurs. His impressive play included shooting 7-of-7 from beyond the arc and making two crucial free throws to send the game into overtime. His efforts led the Cavaliers to a thrilling 128-125 victory, showcasing his scoring prowess and clutch ability.
**#1. 31 Points Against the Kings to End Three-Game Losing Streak (April 5, 2023)**
Last year, Irving played a pivotal role in ending the Dallas Mavericks’ three-game losing streak with a stellar performance against the Sacramento Kings. Scoring 31 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, Irving’s efforts were instrumental in securing the Mavericks’ playoff hopes. His performance, along with contributions from Christian Wood, underscored his impact and potential to drive the Mavericks’ postseason success.
