Kyrie Irving’s Game-Winning Three in 2016 NBA Finals Game 7
#TheShot refers to Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer over Stephen Curry with 53 seconds remaining in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers their first championship and breaking Cleveland’s 52-year title drought.
The Play
Game 7, June 19, 2016 — Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
- Time: 0:53 remaining in the 4th quarter
- Score: Tied 89-89 after LeBron’s Block
- The Shot: Kyrie Irving isolates on Stephen Curry at the top of the key, crosses over, and drains a step-back three-pointer over the two-time MVP
Final Score: Cavaliers 93, Warriors 89
Context: The Ultimate Pressure Moment
- Warriors: 73-9 regular season, best record in NBA history
- Series: Cleveland overcame 3-1 deficit, first team ever to do so in Finals
- City: Cleveland hadn’t won a championship in any major sport since 1964
- Defense: Irving shot over Stephen Curry (2-time reigning MVP, Defensive Player of the Year candidate)
The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and Kyrie delivered the coldest shot in Finals history.
”Kyrie Irving… for three… BANG!”
Announcer Mike Breen’s call became iconic:
“Kyrie Irving from downtown… BANG! BANG! Oh what a shot from Kyrie!”
Social Media Explosion
- 200M+ impressions within 24 hours
- #TheShot / #KyrieShot trended #1 globally
- Replays, slow-motion breakdowns, Curry’s helpless reaction
- “Cleveland is a city of champions!” (LeBron’s post-game quote)
Kyrie’s Legacy Moment
While LeBron won Finals MVP, The Shot is Kyrie Irving’s career-defining moment:
- Ultimate pressure: Game 7, tied score, 1 minute left, road game
- Over the MVP (Curry) on the game’s biggest stage
- Delivered Cleveland’s promised championship
LeBron & Kyrie Duo
The combination of #TheBlock (LeBron’s chase-down on Iguodala) and #TheShot (Kyrie’s dagger three) in the final two minutes represents the greatest 1-2 punch in Finals history. Both plays were essential to the win.
Post-2016 Fallout
Kyrie’s relationship with LeBron deteriorated after 2016, and he requested a trade to Boston in 2017, wanting to be “the guy” on his own team. Debates continue about whether Kyrie gets enough credit for the 2016 title vs. LeBron’s Finals MVP dominance.
Related Hashtags
- #TheBlock (LeBron’s block)
- #3-1Comeback (series deficit overcome)
- #LandTheCav (Cleveland title)
- #Warriors73-9 (record season without ring)