The year 2016 was a historical year for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They won their first NBA championship in 52 years after defeating the defending champions, Golden State Warriors. The run was even more memorable as they overcame a 3-1 deficit to clinch the title. The dynamic duo of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving played a major role in leading the team to the mountaintop. They each scored 41 points in Game 5 of the finals to keep the season alive.
However, LeBron James? ex-teammate thinks Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers to victory in the 2016 playoffs.
Stanley Johnson gives an unusual opinion
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The Cleveland Cavaliers locked horns with the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2016 Eastern Conference. They defeated the Pistons in four straight games in Round 1 of the playoffs, with then-23-year-old Kyrie averaging 41 points. In a recent sit-down with the Tidal League, Stanley Johnson recalled their 4-0 loss against the Cavaliers.
While he acknowledged the Akron Hammer’s intuitive gameplay, he had an unusual take. “As good as LeBron was, that series, in my opinion, was won by Kyrie”, said the 27-year-old forward. There is no denying the impact Kyrie had during their 2016 championship run. Even though his reputation has taken a hit in recent years, it does not discredit his skills on the court. At 31 years old, he is still one of the most dynamic scoring guards in the league.
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Is a LeBron James-Kyrie Irving reunion on the horizon?
The combo of LeBron James and Kyrie Irving was one of the most lethal ones in the league’s history. Their joint efforts led the Cavaliers to a championship in 2016 and three straight final appearances. However, Uncle Drew requested a trade after the 2017 season after losing to GSW. But it looks like a reunion is in store for them. As per reports, the Lakers are interested in LeBron’s ex-Cavaliers teammate for point guard D?Angelo Russell. However, no deal is imminent since the Dallas Mavericks are not willing to accept the offer.
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The Mavs are banking on their backcourt duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic to make a deep run to the playoffs after an abysmal last season. Last season, despite having the best offensive duo in the league, they failed to secure a playoff berth. As things transpired, poor chemistry and injuries plagued the team from reaching its full potential. However, after an entire off-season to bond, fans can expect the duo to return to the court with better chemistry than last season.
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