Allen Iverson vs Kyrie Irving, Who Is Better? Stats, Accolades, and Everything You Need to Know About NBA’s Greatest Dribblers

The debate between Allen Iverson and Kyrie Irving over who is a better ball-handler and scorer has raged over the years. The two shooting guards, below the NBA’s average height, have dazzled with their incredible dribbling ability, clutch performances, and knack for getting buckets. But who ultimately is the best between two of the league’s most electrifying and skilled players?

The unique aspect that separates Iverson and Irving is their ability to create something out of nothing. Both players could routinely shake defenders with mesmerizing dribble combinations before burying tough shots over outstretched arms. When placed by each other, here’s how the talents read.

Season dominance between Allen Iverson and Kyrie Irving

Statistically, in the regular season, Allen Iverson has better numbers than Kyrie Irving. The Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson has averaged 26.7 points per game over his 14-year career. He was a four-time scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005) and a seven-time All-NBA First Team selection. In addition to the flashy scoring, Iverson also put up solid all-around numbers with 6.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 3.7 rebounds per game. He was a three-time leader in total steals and was awarded two MVPs for the All-Star games. Iverson’s competitiveness and his skill made him a nightmare for defenses night in and night out.

Although Kyrie Irving does not match Iverson’s efficiency in the regular season, he’s been no slouch himself. Irving has averaged 23.6 points, 5. 7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in the 13 seasons he has played in the NBA so far. He has been selected to the All-Star team eight times and was named the MVP of the All-Star game once. However, where Irving might have the overall advantage over Iverson is in terms of playoff experience and the ability to knock down big, memorable shots in the postseason. His cold-blooded dagger over Stephen Curry in the 2016 Finals will be remembered forever.

Comparing playoff performances and their impact on the NBA

Iverson’s playoff averages are impressive – 29. 7 points, 6.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game – he only got to the NBA finals once in his playing career in 2001. There, with the 76ers, he won the MVP but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Iverson left it all on the floor to win a championship and fell short of a good Lakers team.

Irving on the other hand has played 91 games in the playoffs, the best run being the Cavaliers’ record-breaking 3-1 deficit victory over the 73-win Golden State Warriors in 2016. His Finals numbers that year – 27. 1 point, 3. 9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals – were sublime. And of course, who can forget his go-ahead three over Curry in Game 7, one of the clutchest shots in NBA history?

Kyrie Irving was then traded to the Dallas Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. Since then has been an important player for the team Dallas. In his first game for the Mavericks, he played 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 110–104 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. He has maintained his scoring and playmaking abilities, helping the Mavericks achieve a strong season. It was not the day for Kyrie Irving in game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, his former team. He managed to score only 12 points out of 6 of 19 shooting, missing all five of his 3-point attempts. Irving’s 31.6% field goal percentage was the lowest in an NBA Finals game in his career.

Iverson has a better regular season record than Irving, but Irving has a more memorable championship run than Iverson. They both left their mark as two of the most talented, ruthless shooters and passers the league has ever witnessed. Who is your pick? Allen Iverson or Kyrie Irving? Comment below.

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