The 2016 NBA Finals remain one of the most unforgettable series in basketball history. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ comeback from a 3–1 deficit against the record-breaking 73–9 Golden State Warriors stunned the sports world and changed the legacy of LeBron James forever. Yet while the spotlight shined brightest on LeBron, another star quietly delivered moments that defined the series. That star was Kyrie Irving. His scoring brilliance, his fearless shot-making, and ultimately the dagger in Game 7 made him, in the eyes of many, the real MVP of the 2016 Finals.
The Context of Greatness
To understand the weight of Irving’s contributions, it is important to revisit the moment in history. Golden State entered the Finals as overwhelming favorites. They had dismantled opponents all season, Stephen Curry had just won unanimous MVP, and their offensive system was considered nearly unstoppable. Cleveland, meanwhile, was heavily dependent on LeBron’s all-around dominance. Yet, the Cavaliers had one weapon that the Warriors could not solve: Kyrie Irving’s ability to score one-on-one.
While LeBron set the tone with his leadership and versatility, it was Irving who consistently provided the offensive punch that swung games in Cleveland’s favor. His shot creation relieved pressure from James and allowed the Cavaliers to match Golden State’s firepower.
The Game 5 Explosion
When the Cavaliers faced elimination down 3–1, Irving delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his career. In Oakland, with the season hanging by a thread, Irving dropped 41 points, matching LeBron’s total. Together, the two became the first teammates in Finals history to score 40 or more in the same game. Irving’s shooting display was nothing short of sensational, hitting contested jumpers, attacking the rim, and keeping the Warriors defense scrambling.
Without Irving’s 41-point masterpiece, the Cavaliers never force a Game 6, let alone win the series. LeBron’s greatness kept Cleveland alive, but it was Kyrie’s scoring that made survival possible.
Outdueling the MVP
Across the series, Irving outscored Stephen Curry, the reigning MVP. While Curry struggled at times with Cleveland’s physical defense, Irving thrived in isolation matchups and punished every defender Golden State threw his way. His averages spoke for themselves, but more importantly, his consistency in critical stretches made him the Cavaliers’ offensive engine.
Curry had been the story of the regular season. Irving made sure the Finals belonged to someone else.
Game 7 and the Defining Shot
Every Finals series has a defining moment. In 2016, there were two. The first was LeBron’s legendary chase-down block against Andre Iguodala. The second—and arguably the moment that truly sealed the championship—was Kyrie Irving’s three-pointer over Curry with less than a minute to go.
With the score tied at 89, Irving calmly stepped back and drained the shot that gave Cleveland the lead for good. It was not just a basket; it was a statement. It was the type of moment reserved for legends.
LeBron’s block may have symbolized heart and hustle, but Irving’s shot represented precision and cold-blooded execution. Championships are decided by buckets, and Irving delivered the one that ended a 52-year title drought for Cleveland.
Buckets Versus Narrative
The Finals MVP award often favors narrative. LeBron’s statistical dominance was undeniable—he led both teams in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks over the series. By those metrics, he deserved the trophy. But the award is not simply about filling the stat sheet; it is about who provided the moments that changed history.
Kyrie Irving was that player. His scoring explosions in Games 5 and 7, his consistent ability to outplay Curry, and his game-winning shot made him the most decisive factor in the Cavaliers’ triumph. Without him, LeBron’s brilliance would not have been enough.
Take Irving off the team, and Cleveland likely never forces a Game 7. Take LeBron off the floor during the defining play, and Irving still makes the shot. The logic is simple: the championship was sealed not by a defensive stop, but by Kyrie’s fearless jumper.
A Legacy Overshadowed
History will always remember 2016 as LeBron James delivering on his promise to bring a championship to Cleveland. That narrative is powerful and deserved. Yet in the process, Kyrie Irving’s impact has been overshadowed. He was not just a co-star; he was the closer. He was the assassin who delivered the most important points in franchise history.
Irving’s legacy since then has been complicated, marked by trades, controversies, and questions about his leadership. But the 2016 Finals remain the pinnacle of his career. On that stage, against the most dominant team of the modern era, he outperformed the league’s MVP and gave Cleveland its defining moment.
The Real MVP Debate
The Finals MVP trophy went to LeBron, and few will argue that his all-around numbers did not warrant it. But awards and legacies are often about more than statistics. When the question is asked—who decided the championship, who made the play that mattered most—the answer is clear.
That moment belonged to Kyrie Irving. And for many fans and analysts, that makes him the real Finals MVP of 2016.
