But, many people are focusing on the pitfalls of Lebron James, and his struggles in back-to-back games, rather than focusing on Irving’s heroic performance.
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After setting the franchise playoff record for points in a quarter, Cleveland set marks for points in a half and in four quarters by defeating the Celtics 135-102 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
When pressed, however, he acknowledged Jordan’s massive influence and the significance of the milestone.
It was Green who was suspended for Game 5 of last year’s Finals for a swipe at James’ groin – and Golden State wound up squandering a 3-1 series lead and chance at a repeat title. When you’re watching Michael Jordan it’s nearly like a god.
“I knew how much we needed this game and how much my teammates needed me and the importance of me leading these guys as well as ‘Bron”. “But I definitely wasn’t trying to hear that at that point in time”. “As of tonight, I’ll get started”.
Michael Jordan no longer sits atop the NBA’s all-time postseason scoring list, replaced by a man who grew up in OH idolizing the Bulls star “almost like a God”.
King James has cemented his place in basketball history. The Golden State Warriors are sitting back and relaxing a little, however, watching the Eastern Conference Finals play out while preparing themselves for battle having swept the San Antonio Spurs. “I think Tyronn Lue, at that point, was gambling that LeBron would not pick up any more fouls”.
At times throughout his career, James has said he looked up to and mimicked Kobe Bryant, and Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson. He played just 18 minutes in Game 2 while playing through the lingering pain.
It’s worth noting that James is closing in on Jordan when it comes to the regular season scoring list as well: Jordan now ranks fourth with 32,292 points while James is seventh with 28,787 points.
“He basically was just waiting for an opportunity to be able to blossom”, James said. “The great thing about this is the experience. It doesn’t matter to me”.
“We have to go in with a bunker mentality that we had in Game 1 and Game 2, to go out and do what we do, but we have to defend”, James said. Their inability to force LeBron to foul still wasn’t what did them in, the explosion of Irving and his ability to hit clutch shots is what buried Boston. Michael couldn’t get all the rebounds. So very close. LeBron James is playing on a level that is insane even by his standards.
James says he wants to be known, and remembered, as more than a scorer. If I’m not scoring the ball, how can I still make an impact on the game.
Thomas will be an unrestricted free agent next summer and the Celtics will also have to decide if they want to sign him to a massive long-term deal.
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The All-Star point guard added: “I’m telling my guys on the court the whole entire game, we’ve seen this before, we’ve been through this, we’ve experienced this, and we’re going to get through this, and from that point on, it clicked”, Irving said.
