Many things can happen in few days. Just a week ago, after losing 108:97 at Quicken Loans, it was impossible to find anyone who believed that Larry O’brian Trophy will finally make its way to Ohio. I know I haven’t. I guess that’s why we love this game so much.
That’s natural that all the focus goes to LeBron. After leaving to Miami, he came back to bring the trophy to his city. He gave everything he had, he “poured his heart, his blood, his sweat and his tears”.
And yet, he wasn’t the difference between the Cavs that lost 4:2 in last year’s final to the team that executed one of the most heroic comebacks in sports history. He was definitely the MVP of this final, but he was also by far the best player in 2015 Finals as well. Despite not getting the award.
It wasn’t also the new supporting players, Jefferson or Mo Williams. It wasn’t the coach. Except the last few games, Tyronn Lue Cavs weren’t better than David Blatt’s team. Not Steph’s poor shape and probably not even Draymond’s suspension from Game 5.
The difference was one man: 6.3 tall, weighs 193lb and goes by the name of Kyrie Irving. In the last 5 games he averaged 30.8 pt. per game, with unbelievable penetrations. Hitting tough 3 pointers every time the team needed, including the one that eventually brought the title to Cleveland.
https://vine.co/v/5Buatxa1W3w
In the past 2 years, many referred to Kyrie as one of the most overrated players in the league. That he is not a leader. That he doesn’t share the ball enough and that he is worthless in defence.
Well, he is a leader that steps up when his team needs him and he was rock solid on the other end of the court as well. It’s true, running the offence is not his best quality and he will never be Steve Nash or CP3, but when it comes to bringing points to his team when it really matters – Kyrie is the guy you wish to have.
LeBron is the King, but even Kings can’t do everything themselves and Kyrie was exactly what James needed to finally bring the trophy home.
See you next year.