KEY POINTS

  • Collin Sexton singlehandedly orchestrated the Cavs' upset win over the Nets
  • Fans flooded Twitter with varying reactions to Sexton's marvelous feat
  • Ex-Cavs star Kyrie Irving gives his stamp of approval on Sexton's valiant efforts

When the Brooklyn Nets faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, the narrative was centered on the franchise's All-Star lineup led by Kevin Durant, James Harden and the returning Kyrie Irving.

It was a cause for celebration as this marked the first time that the trio would play together in the same black-and-white uniform. However, Collin Sexton came to spoil the night for Brooklyn's newly-formed "Big Three."

Sexton exploded with a career-high 42 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists to steer the Cavaliers to a 147-135 double-overtime victory.

The young point guard tore up every pre-game prediction to shine for the Cavaliers after the two teams ended the fourth quarter tied at 113. He scored 20-straight markers once the duel went into overtime leaving Harden, Durant and Irving as mere spectators.

On Twitter, NBA fans were quick to react to Sexton's heroics in varying degrees of shock and awe.

Irving was seen smiling on the court as the Marietta, Georgia drilled bucket after bucket, causing the limited crowd inside the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to chant “Col-lin Sex-ton” in reverberating manner.

The former Cavs guard tipped his hat to the 22-year-old and conceded after the contest that it was "just one of those nights".

Sexton's awe-inspiring performance was further amplified after Brooklyn's three superstars finished with double digits on the scoring sheet. Irving amassed 37 markers in his comeback, while Durant had 38 points with 12 rebounds. On the other hand. Harden registered his second triple-double as part of the Nets.

In a post-game interview, Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff did not hold back in showering Sexton with praise as the player stepped up big time for the franchise to improve its record to 7-7 in the Eastern Conference.

"He definitely impressed us all... what Collin has proven time and time again, against all his doubters, is that he is not afraid of the big moments," Bickerstaff told News 5 Cleveland reporter Camryn Justice.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks to Kevin Porter Jr. #4 and Collin Sexton #2 during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks to Kevin Porter Jr. #4 and Collin Sexton #2 during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Getty Images | Jason Miller
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