The Cleveland star reached the finals for four years in a row with the Miami Heat before returning to Cleveland in 2014. Incredible season with many accomplishments.
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“I don’t think past year I appreciated it enough getting back to the finals”. Don’t have Kevin Love go MIA.
James was referring to the 2015 Finals, when he nearly single-handedly carried the injury-riddled Cavaliers to an unlikely triumph over Golden State. And there was a love-in with both teams along the way. Fingers crossed. The Thunder have their second match point against the Warriors; Golden State held on the first and are hoping to break OKC’s serve. The Thunder have been successful guarding this in the Western Finals because OKC switches on EVERYTHING.
“They’re picking their poison”. Ultimately, however, the Cavs were simply too talented to stop.
The Cavaliers led by as many as 14 points in the first half and had a 21-point lead during the third quarter.
– Speaking of the ‘Big 3, ‘ talk about quieting the critics. James scored 30 or points in a playoff game for the 81st time, but it was his first 30-point game of the 2016 playoffs. Kevin Love had 20 in the clincher.
Things didn’t get any easier in the final quarter for Toronto, with Cleveland starting to see the finish line. He’s hit 4 of 24 3-balls in this series, and is averaging 7 points over the 5 games…and he’s our highest-paid player. “We’ve still got to go out and do it”. It will also mark the sixth straight finals appearance of the four-time MVP James in his National Basketball Association career. Only Bill Russell and some of his Celtic teammates can say the same.
Lowry completed an 18-point third quarter when he converted three free throws in the final second and Cleveland led 86-74 entering the fourth.
When stats like this pop up, one can’t help but think of Michael Jordan. And it was the only one they needed to win.
This isn’t meant to slam James. The Finals start on Thursday night, June 2nd.
Last season, there seemed to be animosity between players and coaches.
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But when talking about greatness, Jordan’s dominance in winning THE series you have to win is unparalleled. That’s how great LeBron is, as well as how mediocre the Eastern Conference is. The Cavaliers outscored the Raptors 27-13 in the final quarter, but the Raptors continued to battle until the final buzzer sounded, prompting fans to stand on their feet and chant “Let’s go Raptors” for the last three minutes of the game. As the lead swelled, a disheartened Atlanta defense resorted to less-advised tactics (which included a stint of zone)…There was no hint of proper transition defense from the disheartened visitors, and their half-court closeouts lacked the fervent energy that became omnipresent during their inspired Game 1 comeback.
