(CNN Philippines) — With their backs against the wall, the Cleveland Cavaliers found a way to extend the NBA Finals after overwhelming Golden State, 112-97, in Game 5.
Kyrie Irving said trust was the biggest boost to their much-needed victory against the Warriors.
“I think that the trust factor was just a big thing. It’s just been continuous and been consistent as we’ve continued to grow together,” Irving said Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at a post-game press conference.
The 24-year old point guard was deadly once again on the offensive end.
“The spacing out there tonight allowed me to get to certain spots on the floor where I could be effective,” Irving said after tallying 41 points on 17-24 shooting, six assists, and three rebounds.
Irving and LeBron James became the first pair of teammates to have 40 or more points in the same game in the Finals. It also marked the fifth time in NBA Playoff history that two teammates had 40 plus scoring games.
“To repeat a performance like this would definitely be tough, but whatever it takes to win,” Irving said.
“The value of both of us as well as the rest of the team and how we’re spacing is very important, and it just took a while to figure that out,” he added.
Irving is not satisfied because they are still trailing in the series, 3-2. But he is optimistic that his squad, which has the momentum now, will come out with the same killer instinct in the next game.
“We’ll be very well prepared for Game 6. We’re not satisfied. We understand the magnitude of what Game 6 means for us at home, and we know that it will be an incredible level that they’re going to play at, and we have to play at an even better level,” he said.
Game 6 will be played at the Quicken Loans Arena on Friday PHT.
