“We’re just trying to create moments for the city”, said the 29-year old in between fan screams. “When you do those things offence will fall right in your lap and I feel like that’s what happened tonight”.
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James took the inbounds pass, dribbled the clock down and drove the lane before floating up the victor. Asked if they can fix it as a group, James said, “We have to”. “I work on those shots”.
It was Toronto’s solid defensive effort that had players talking in the post-game dressing room. Every time you come off a West Coast road trip, it’s a little bit harder to get that first game under your belt.
On Friday night, LeBron James continued his mastery of the Hornets/Bobcats – running his win streak to 21, the longest for any player against one team. “I thought we guarded it well, but he made the shot”. “I might go for the sky hook next time”. “Give it to No. 23”.
James finished with 26 points and nine rebounds.
Before the Nets’ game against the Cavaliers, Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins lamented the fact that the Nets just don’t have guys like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, etc. His point was that if the Nets play well and keep it close, those teams can close with “great players making great plays”.
That’s the edge James and James Jones wants instilled into this team.
Behind the aggressive play of LeBron (and a few questionable no-calls), the Cavs went on an 8-0 run late and barely regained the lead by one with 34 seconds remaining. Brooklyn built its lead to 12 in the quarter. Cleveland took its first lead at 61-60 on Love’s three-pointer midway through the third. Matthew Dellavedova’s 3-pointer gave the Cavaliers a 69-68 lead going into the final period. Point guard Mo Williams (ankle), who is himself starting in place of Kyrie Irving (knee), missed the last two games while Timofey Mozgov is out for at least another week with a shoulder strain. The Cavs overcame 22 points from Lopez and double-doubles from Thaddeus Young and Jarrett Jack. If it sounds as if James has already punted on the idea of winning 70 games this season, it’s because he likely has. James thinks he hit a game-winner with them in attendance before, but added it probably didn’t matter. After leaving his home in Labumbashi for Yemen at the age of 16, he was spotted at a youth tournament there and invited to play in Spain, where he spent the better part of three years.
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Yeah, they’re nice, really anything Mitchell & Ness will be, but those are some expensive items. And until he gets everyone fired up, James is unlikely to stop barking at his teammates until they are all aligned and committed to their goal this season – that of which is to win the National Basketball Association title. “It’s the weekend, so I’m ready to get home and do that, too”.
