Kyrie Irving recovers for the clutch block

June 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves to the basket against Golden State Warriors center Marreese Speights (5) and guard Leandro Barbosa (19) during the second half in game one of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
June 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) moves to the basket against Golden State Warriors center Marreese Speights (5) and guard Leandro Barbosa (19) during the second half in game one of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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When people hear the name Kyrie Irving, they think of incredible speed, insane ball handling, a knack for getting to the rim, and lots of scoring. What people do not think of when it comes to Irving is his defense, and ability to recover. Well after Game 1, of the 2015 NBA Finals, that might have to be something that gets added to his resume.

With time winding down, the Golden State Warriors had designed the perfect play. Coming off the Screen, Steph Curry had a wide open lane to the rim. He was well past his defender, and all he had to do was get to the rim and lay it in to give his team the go ahead basket. However, Irving had different plans.

https://vine.co/v/eMbYne5w3XZ

What an incredible recovery by Irving to not just contest the layup, but get a hand on it and give his team a chance to send the game into overtime. Irving’s been playing hurt throughout the playoffs, but it’s easy to forget that when you see him making insane plays like this one.

Unfortunately, Irving tweaked his knee later in the game, and now we have to be worried that this is the last play we’ll get to see him make for the rest of the finals. If that’s the case, and we certainly hope it isn’t, at least he went out doing something incredible.