Kyrie Irving Proves He Was Better Than Steph Curry in 2016 NBA Finals

Kyrie Irving's historic 2016 NBA Finals performance against the Golden State Warriors showcased his incredible skill set and cemented his status as a future Hall of Famer. The Cavaliers' point guard averaged 27.1 points while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from 3-point range during the series.

What happened?

In a recent interview, retired big man Tristan Thompson dropped a strong statement that nicely sums up the dynamic talent's rise. "Steph can't guard Kyrie," he told HOF tight end Shannon Sharpe on the "Club Shay Shay" podcast. "He knew he was better than Steph in that series. He believed it, and he showed it. I think he wanted to let the world know 'Steph the MVP, but he can't guard me.' That was Kyrie's coming out party. Like, 'Steph, cool you could be the No. 1, but I'm on your tail.' And you saw what he did."

Why it matters for Kyrie Irving

Irving's go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute of Game 7 naturally draws most of the focus, but his fabulous Finals performance went beyond one supremely clutch bucket. The top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft averaged 27.1 points while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from 3-point range during the series. LeBron James earned NBA Finals MVP honors, but Kyrie Irving was the second superstar the Cavs needed to overcome a 3-1 deficit and win their first-ever championship.

What comes next?

Although a rough divorce eventually followed this glorious peak, the 6-foot-2 dynamo's fearless effort on the grand stage left no doubt about his greatness. Irving is only two years removed from helping the Dallas Mavericks win the Western Conference, and he can further enhance his legacy by successfully returning from a torn ACL and enjoying a huge age-34 campaign.

The Impact of Irving's Performance

Irving's performance in the 2016 NBA Finals was a testament to his incredible skill set and his ability to perform under pressure. His ability to shoot 46.8 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from 3-point range during the series was a key factor in the Cavaliers' championship win. His go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute of Game 7 will always be remembered as one of the most clutch shots in NBA history.

The Legacy of Irving's Performance

Irving's performance in the 2016 NBA Finals cemented his status as a future Hall of Famer. His ability to perform under pressure and his incredible skill set make him one of the most feared players in the NBA. His legacy continues to grow with each passing year, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

The Future of Irving's Career

Irving's future is bright, and he can continue to enhance his legacy by successfully returning from a torn ACL and enjoying a huge age-34 campaign. He has already shown that he can perform at a high level, and he will continue to be a dominant force in the NBA for years to come. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court and his incredible speed and agility make him a nightmare to defend.