Nothing brightens up the doldrums of January in the NBA like a random 50-point game, and this month has provided three such instances. First, there was the journeyman version featuring Minnesota shooting guard Mo Williams, who erupted for 52 points in a game against the Indiana Pacers. Then, there was Klay Thompson, who also finished with 52, but dropped an NBA record 37 points in a single quarter on his way there. Wednesday night, the LeBron James-less Cavaliers faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers, and Kyrie Irving single-handedly made certain the Cavs would come away with a win.
Irving nailed eleven three-point shots on his way to a double-nickel, while also becoming just the third player in NBA history — and the second in under a week — to score 50 or more points, dish out five or more assists, while hitting ten or more three pointers in a single game. Irving also became only the fourth player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a game where his team scored less than 100, joining George Mikan, Michael Jordan and his current teammate, LeBron James.
The best part about all three of these performances is that they all came within the flow of the game. In Williams’ case, the T-Wolves were in a close game, which actually aided in pushing him over the half-century mark. In Thompson’s case, his outburst began a few minutes into the third quarter when the game was tied. Only later did it turn into a blowout. And, finally, there was Irving, who hit a go ahead three with 6.4 seconds remaining to reach 53 points. After a Damian Lillard miss, Irving ended his career night with two free throws.
[Dawk Ins]
About John Ferensen