After Thursday night's impressive performance it's safe to say that LeBron James has officially moved on.
Emphatically waving goodbye to the Cavaliers, James scored 38 points in his highly anticipated return to Cleveland in a lopsided 118-90 victory from an understandably emotionally charged fan base at Quicken Loans Arena.
In front of a raucous and bitter crowd that surely had the unforgettable televised "Decision" etched in their collective minds since July; James exploded for 24 points in the third quarter on a spectacular array of mid-range fall-away jumpers, embarrassingly recreating much happier moments from the high-profile stars' last seven seasons.
James apparently wasn't in the mood for nostalgia though as his playful almost cavalier (no pun intended) effort once again crushed the hearts and spirits of Cleveland fans everywhere with each repeated attack at the rim and step back jumper.
In terms of the game, the contest was competitive for about half of the first quarter until James would fuel the visiting Heat to a deafening 16-0 run to close out the period.
Miami would take a 59-40 lead into intermission and not look back.
James would finish his impressive return scoring 38 points while adding 8 assists and 5 rebounds on an efficient 15-25 shooting from the field.
Dwyane Wade helped out his frequently booed Heat teammate by posting a near triple-double scoring 22 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't help their anxious fans out all that much on a night when they definitely could've used the much-needed pick me up. Forced into a horrible 36% shooting night, the home team only added to the fans' frustration by not looking at all willing to compete throughout the contest; except for a brief period to start the game.
Daniel "Boobie" Gibson, the one player said to still keep in frequent contact with James since his departure, led the Cavaliers with 21 points, but only connected on 6 of 14 shots.
Cavs' veterans Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison added 11 points each, respectively; however the two team captains struggled against the suffocating Heat defense only mustering 6 of 18 combined shooting from the floor.
After it was all said and done, James was thankful for his time spent with the Cavaliers organization.
"Seven great years, loved every moment," he said. "Utmost respect for this franchise and for these fans."
Game Notes: James much anticipated pre-game chalk ritual may have received more attention than the actual game itself. However, after all the hype, the embattled superstar chose to stick to his personal routine and throw the chalk high in the air to the dismay of the shocked and venomous Cleveland crowd.
The fans at Quicken Loans Arena were not at all bashful this night as they booed James incessantly each and every time he touched the ball. Signs and shirts that read the "Lyin' King" and "Quitness" were scattered across the crowd creatively advertising their disapproval.
Cavs backup point guard Daniel Gibson and Heat backup guard Eddie House were both whistled for technical fouls late in the fourth quarter.
The Heat have won three straight games, however those wins have come against the Wizards, Pistons, and Cavs who are a combined 18-36 this season.
The NBA continues to roll on this season. Keep up to date with all things NBA here on Examiner.com.
Go ahead and hit the subscribe button at the top of the page for weekly NBA news. It's free and you won't be hit with any unnecessary advertising or spam.
You can also follow me on Twitter at @JarrodsNBA.
As always we appreciate your readership and thank you for your support.
© 2010 Jarrod Gillis -- All Rights Reserved
Read more: Sport
No comments:
Post a Comment