Down 3-1 in the NBA Finals against the dynamic Golden State Warriors, it seemed inevitable that the franchise from the Bay Area would win the title for the second straight season.
But LeBron James and Kyrie Irving didn’t let it happen.
In Game 5, with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing elimination in every game that moment on, James and Irving showed out on the road in incredible fashion.
Though the Warriors lost center Andrew Bogut early on with an injury and Draymond Green didn’t play because he was suspended, the Cavaliers came out with the aggression needed on every play and made crucial shots in every quarter.
James played 43 minutes in the game, posting 41 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. He shot 16-of-30 overall and 4-of-8 from 3-point range.
Irving also poured in 41 points to go with six assists and three rebounds. He shot 17-of-24 (70.8 percent) overall and 5-of-7 from the perimeter.
The duo’s iconic performance birthed the legendary photo:
5 YEARS AGO TODAY
Kyrie & LeBron scored 82 in GM5 of the NBA Finals!LeBron on Kyrie’s performance: “It’s probably one of the greatest performances I’ve ever seen live.” pic.twitter.com/VKrPCpoczK
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 13, 2021
Here’s a highlight reel of some of their best shots on the night:
5 years ago today, down 3-1 Kyrie and LeBron put up the greatest duo performance in Finals history.
Kyrie:
41pts, 3rebs, 6 asts, 2stls
71% FGLeBron:
41pts, 16rebs, 7asts, 3blks
53% FG— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) June 13, 2021
The Cavaliers would end up winning Games 6 and 7, which secured the franchise’s first championship. James also delivered on his promise to bring a title to his hometown team.
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