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Is Steph Curry and the Warriors still haunted by Kyrie Irving’s clutch 2016 shot?

By Jordanna Clark

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 05: Kyrie Irving #11of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 05, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 05: Kyrie Irving #11of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 05, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets will have a second opportunity to take down the Warriors on Saturday night in San Francisco. The two first met in Brooklyn on Nov. 16 and Golden State got the 117-99 win behind Steph Curry’s 37 points. However, the Warriors now have to prepare to face Kyrie Irving for the first time this year.

Irving sat out for the first two months of the season before the Nets decided to allow him to return as a part-time player. After a stint in the health and safety protocols, Irving officially re-joined the team and made a return to the court on Jan. 5.

He’s played in seven games for Brooklyn so far this season and the game against the Warriors will be number eight.

The Nets’ goal is to win their first NBA title this season and Irving is a key piece to that puzzle, considering that he knows what it takes to win a championship. His 3-pointer with 53 seconds left in the 2016 Finals between the Cavaliers-Warriors sealed the deal for Irving’s first ring.

Will the Brooklyn Nets be able to beat the Warriors with Kyrie Irving?

Irving’s clutch Game 7 shot has been referred to as “the biggest shot in NBA history.” He helped to snap Cleveland’s 52-year drought without a major championship and by doing so he breathed life into the fanbase.

The point guard now has the chance to do the same for Brooklyn’s organization and fans. His vaccination status prohibits him from playing in games at Barclays Center, which means that the Nets heavily rely on him in games played on the road.

Luckily, Irving knows a thing or two about how to beat Golden State on its home court, although the Warriors no longer call Oracle Arena home. Nonetheless, it’ll always be the home of ‘the shot.’

Ironically, Irving drained the 3-pointer over Curry, the best NBA 3-point shooter in the history of the game. Curry’s won three titles with Golden State, and if it weren’t for Irving, he’d likely have a fourth.

As the saying goes, leave the past in the past. However, it’s hard to believe that when Curry closes his eyes at night, he isn’t at times haunted by Irving and the events that took place on Jun. 19, 2016.

Oh, and Brooklyn fans, Game 7 of the NBA Finals this year falls on Jun. 19, 2022. Is that an omen? We hope so.