In a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, NBA coach Phil Handy revisited the Cleveland Cavaliers’ legendary 2016 NBA Finals and reflected on the collaboration between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, especially during Game 5 of that series. Handy also shared insights into the relationship between the two stars, addressing media speculation about their dynamic.
Handy recalled the intense atmosphere during the 2016 Finals, particularly in Game 5, when the Cavaliers were trailing the Golden State Warriors. “Draymond [Green] was in front of our bench, talking noise, clowning, and taunting,” Handy said. “I was fuming. I couldn’t handle it. When the game ended, I blacked out in the locker room. I told the team, ‘We’re in the NBA Finals, and we can’t let them punk us.’”
Handy’s passionate outburst helped ignite the Cavaliers, and they responded by winning Game 3 and pushing on to Game 5. “LeBron and Kyrie were unbelievable. People can say whatever they want about Draymond being out, but those guys still had to perform,” Handy continued. “Watching them in Game 5 was one of the most epic performances I’ve ever seen. It was clear: if we win Game 5, we win this series.”
While the duo’s on-court chemistry was undeniable, Handy was quick to clarify there was no tension between LeBron and Kyrie when the latter requested a trade. “Kyrie just wanted to test the waters. He wanted to lead his own team,” Handy explained. “He wasn’t immature; he was just a young player looking to step out from under LeBron’s shadow after all those Finals appearances.”
Handy emphasized that despite media reports suggesting friction, there was no real rift between the two. “Kyrie just felt he wanted to see if he could be his own guy. He and LeBron were two different personalities, but together they were dangerous,” Handy said.
Irving’s trade request in 2017 came after a period of deep reflection. Handy shared that Irving later acknowledged his decision might have been different with hindsight. “Kyrie has said that if he could do it over again, he might choose differently. But, at that time, he wanted to find his own path,” Handy said, underscoring the complex relationship that ultimately led to both players’ remarkable careers.
The partnership between LeBron James and Kyrie Irving remains one of the most dynamic duos in NBA history, particularly for their pivotal role in delivering Cleveland’s first-ever championship. Handy’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the pair’s collaboration and the personal motivations that drove their decisions.