In the Philippines, the famous picture has now been memorialized as artwork. Not one of Kyrie Irving’s career’s most memorable baskets—including the game-winning three-pointer against Stephen Curry in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals to cap off a 3-1 comeback—was more significant to the Dallas Mavericks this season than his incredible left-handed floater against the Denver Nuggets. That shot’s degree of difficulty was quickly praised and celebrated within the NBA, but it’s currently being honored globally. The goal of Filipino artist Maya Carandang is to paint 100 mural basketball courts throughout her country. The first one he completed for this project honors Irving’s winning field goal.
In a different court post, Irving complimented the artist, writing, “All I needed was an invitation.” Definitely next year. I’m grateful for your love. This is extraordinary.
Kyrie Irving had a memorable season in 2023–2024. Following a few disappointing seasons with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, he was written off as a toxic outcast. However, he found his love of basketball again, and this season he averaged 25.6 points per game alongside Luka Doncic. Many chastised Dallas for signing him again in the previous summer. As he assisted in leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals, the media narrative that had been against him for the previous several years eventually shifted back in his favor during the season. Even if they ultimately fell short, Irving proved he could co-exist alongside Doncic and help lead his team to wins.
