NEW YORK (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The fans who watched Kyrie Irving take center stage for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night may have had flashbacks to his performance on 14 September when he lit up the FIBA Basketball World Cup and fired the United States to glory.

Irving, who made all six of his shots from long range and poured in a game-high 26 points in the USA's 129-92 triumph over Serbia in the Final at Spain 2014, scored a season-high 37 points for the suddenly red-hot Cavs and led them past the New York Knicks, 90-87.

The fact that he was playing in one of sport's most famous theaters was not lost on the World Cup MVP Irving.

"Obviously when you come to Madison Square Garden, it's a special place," he said. 

Irving made a series of sensational moves that will keep the Big Apple buzzing for days.

Without a doubt, his best move of the night came with the Cavs leading by a point and needing a basket in the final minute.

Irving dribbled between his legs and shifted his weight from right to left before exploding to the basket.

Still closely guarded by Iman Shumpert, Irving released the ball with his left hand and shot over the outstretched arms of Amar'e Stoudemire.

The ball kissed high off the glass and went in with just 10 seconds to go.

That shot got everyone back home Cleveland excited.

Among those to express awe at Irving's heroics against the Knicks was Cavs star LeBron James.

"I always knew he was a great finisher," James said. 

"I think he's even better than what I even thought," James said. 

"As far as finishing around the rim, he's probably one of the greatest this game has ever seen. 

"I've never seen someone finish how he finishes underneath the rim. It's unbelievable. With both hands."

FIBA