Kyrie Irving's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie Irving is a professional basketball player currently with the Dallas Mavericks. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, he earned Rookie of the Year honors. Irving is a nine-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA Team member, and won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. He's known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 14, 1962: Wilt Chamberlain Scored 62 Points

On January 14, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 62 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a loss to the Boston Celtics, the most points for a player in a regular-season game against the defending champion prior to Kyrie Irving's performance on March 12, 2015.

1985: Michael Jordan Scored 40 Points in Madison Square Garden

In 1985, Michael Jordan Scored 40 Points in Madison Square Garden, at an older age than Kyrie Irving did in 2013.

1986: Double-double stat comparison to Larry Bird in 1986-87 season

In the game on January 26, Kyrie Irving's 11th double-double with points and assists marked the first time a Celtic player reached that milestone since Larry Bird achieved it in the 1986-87 season.

March 3, 2005: Previous Cavaliers Scoring Record

On March 3, 2005, LeBron James set the Cavaliers' franchise single-game scoring mark with 56 points against the Toronto Raptors, a record surpassed by Kyrie Irving on March 12, 2015.

August 2009: Nike Global Challenge MVP

In August 2009, Kyrie Irving led the USA East to the tournament title in the Nike Global Challenge, earning the MVP award with 21.3 points and 4.3 assists per game.

March 16, 2010: Cavaliers' Last Triple-Double

The triple-double on February 28, 2014 was the Cavaliers' first triple-double since March 16, 2010.

June 2010: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship Gold Medal

In June 2010, Kyrie Irving was a part of the United States gold medal-winning team at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

2012: Rising Stars Challenge MVP and Rookie of the Year

In 2012, Kyrie Irving was named to the Rising Stars Challenge, earning MVP honors. He also won the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

2013: Career-High 41 Points Against Knicks

In 2013, Kyrie Irving scored his then-career-high 41 points against the New York Knicks while wearing a black protective face mask. He became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in Madison Square Garden.

February 28, 2014: First Career Triple-Double

On February 28, 2014, Kyrie Irving recorded his first career triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 99–79 victory over the Utah Jazz.

April 5, 2014: Then Career-High 44 Points

On April 5, 2014, Kyrie Irving recorded a then career-high 44 points in a 96–94 overtime loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.

2014: FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP

In 2014, Kyrie Irving was a member of the United States national team that competed in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. He led Team USA to a gold medal and was named the tournament's MVP. Irving also was named the 2014 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

2014: All-Star Game MVP

In 2014, Kyrie Irving was the All-Star game MVP, recording 31 points and 14 assists as the East beat the West 163–155.

March 12, 2015: Career-High 57 Points

On March 12, 2015, Kyrie Irving scored a career-high 57 points, including a buzzer-beating three-point shot to send the Cavaliers into overtime, in a 128–125 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

October 25, 2016: First Championship Ring and Victory Over Knicks

On October 25, 2016, after receiving his first championship ring prior to the season opener, Kyrie Irving scored a game-high 29 points in a 117–88 victory over the New York Knicks.

2016: NBA Finals Winning Shot

During the 2016 NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving made the championship-winning three-pointer to complete the Cavaliers' historic comeback over the Golden State Warriors.

2016: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2016, Kyrie Irving helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He became just the fourth member of Team USA to capture the NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year.

2016: NBA Championship with Cavaliers

In 2016, Kyrie Irving won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 16, 2019: Irving records career-high 18 assists

On January 16, 2019, Kyrie Irving recorded 27 points and a career-high 18 assists in a 117–108 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

October 23, 2019: Irving debuts for Nets with 50 points

On October 23, 2019, Kyrie Irving debuted for the Brooklyn Nets. He scored 50 points, had eight rebounds, and seven assists in a 127–126 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first player in NBA history to score 50 points or more in a team debut.

January 12, 2020: Irving returns from shoulder injury

On January 12, 2020, Kyrie Irving returned from a 26-game absence due to a right shoulder injury. In his return, he scored 21 points on 10-of-11 shooting in the 108–86 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

February 18, 2021: Irving named All-Star starter

On February 18, 2021, Kyrie Irving was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his seventh selection.

October 21, 2021: Speculation and Controversy Surrounding NBA 75th Anniversary Team Exclusion

On October 21, 2021, Kyrie Irving was speculated to be originally on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team as the Brooklyn Nets prematurely posted an announcement, but was later excluded, allegedly due to the ongoing vaccine mandate controversy. The exclusion led to criticism and debate among sports commentators and fans.