With their backs against the wall and facing the potential of a quick and ugly end to their Finals dreams, the Cleveland Cavaliers staved off elimination in Game 5. Despite almost everyone assuming the Golden State Warriors playing on their home court with a 3-1 series lead was all they needed to seal the deal, Cleveland was able to force a Game 6 back in Ohio.

It’d be easy to shrug this off as the result of the Warriors being forced to play without forward Draymond Green, whose third low blow of the postseason resulted in his being suspended for the game. There’s certainly some credence to this, as Green plays a crucial role for Golden State.

However, to assume the result of last night’s game was solely because of who didn’t dress for the Warriors would be an insult to the Cavs. It would also be completely ignoring the otherworldly performances from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

After coming under fire for their falling into bad habits in Game 4, James and Irving showed the Warriors just how dangerous they can be when they’re on their game. The two stars seemed to find the winning formula in Game 5, and they have to stick with the same strategy from here on out.

As mentioned, Game 4 was a struggle for these two. Though they both put forth solid nights in terms of points, Irving and James completely seized control of Cleveland’s offense, taking the majority of the shots in the second half. Ball movement was destroyed, and Golden State was able to stop the Cavs with ease.

On the other end of the spectrum, these two combined for an absolutely brilliant performance last night, stealing a win on the Warriors’ court with a combined 82 points, 41 apiece. Golden State had no answer for either, as both James and Irving were hitting shots from everywhere. James’ jumper was falling, Irving was effortlessly driving through the Warriors, and the Cavs as a whole found new life.

It goes without saying that, if these two continue to play like this, Cleveland certainly gives itself a chance to pull off a miracle. That said, while it’s asking too much of Irving and James to score a combined 80-plus on a nightly basis, they have to keep going with what works.

James and Irving are easily one of the most mercurial duos in the NBA. Both have the potential to take games over single-handedly. At the same time, both have the ability to derail contests as well. The line between these two scenarios appears to be razor thin.

The negative effect of these two trying to take control of a contest was on full display in Game 4. It involves dribbling, followed by dribbling, with a hint of dribbling, all finalized with a contested jumper as the shot clock expires. When Irving or James resort to being the only player to touch the ball on a possession, it brings Cleveland’s offense to a screeching halt.

While last night wasn’t a complete disposal of iso-ball, Irving and James at least moved the offense. There were few possessions where James just stood at the top of the key for 23 seconds before stepping back for a jumper. Irving didn’t spend an entire sequence dribbling himself to death before taking an ill-advised shot.

Instead, they were driving. Where Game 4 saw these drives thwarted by the Warriors in the paint, last night each star was able to find his way to the hoop. Irving was also mixing it up by getting open on pick and rolls, proving himself as a spot-up shooter.

In a sense, yes, both games featured Irving and James essentially trading off possessions between each other. At the same time, there was more movement yesterday, more aggression. When bodies were thrown their way, each player kept plowing through with a full head of steam.

When it comes to asking whether or not these performances are sustainable, the answer seems to rely on just how forceful Irving or James will play.

These two were driving so tentatively in Game 4, as if there was doubt as to whether or not they would score from the first step they took towards the lane. Last night, every time Irving or James went to the rim, you could just sense they knew the ball was going in.

Who knows what the exact formula is, if it’s just as simple as playing aggressively or if there’s something deeper. Either way, James and Irving found a way to keep their team alive, and they have to stick with the same game-plan to ensure this series continues past Game 6.