Just when you start talking other NBA superstar names with frequency, King James leads Cleveland back from a record 25-point halftime deficit in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference opening round playoffs against the Indiana Pacers to snatch a 119-114 win.
Not only did James put Cleveland on his back as he has done so many times in the past, he let Russell Westbrook and all of the other stat-stuffers see how an impactful triple-double looks. One that comes out of sheer determination, intelligence, execution and understanding of the game rather than excessively forcing the issue.
It was a monumental night in the illustrious career of James in many more ways than one.
In addition to orchestrating one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, James moved up in three different career postseason categories on Thursday: Points, rebounds and 3-pointers made. LeBron has lived in the playoffs since entering the league, therefore it’s no coincidence that he is swiftly moving up the all-time lists.
As far as team contributions go, last night’s win was LeBron’s 20th straight opening-round win.
Career playoff points
1. Michael Jordan 5,987
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 5,762
3. LeBron James 5,670
4. Kobe Bryant 5, 640
5. Shaquille O’Neal 5, 250
Career playoff rebounds
1. Bill Russell 4,104
2. Wilt Chamberlain 3,913
3. Tim Duncan 2,859
4. Shaquille O’Neal 2,508
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 2,481
6. Karl Malone 2,062
7. LeBron James 1,787
8. Wes Unseld 1,777
9. Robert Parish 1,765
10. Elgin Baylor 1,724
Career playoff 3-pointers
1. Ray Allen 385
2. Reggie Miller 320
3. Manu Ginobili 309
4. LeBron James 295
5. Kobe Bryant 292
We are witnessing an immortal player still near the top of his game as he cements his legacy in the annals of all-time NBA greats as a relevant superstar.
And as the records fall, so do the players who were once considered his equal or better.
