LeBron James just continues to make history game after game to solidify his legacy. The three-time champion added to the list, passing Michael Jordan on the all-time playoff scoring list Thursday evening in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics. James piled on 35 points, eight assists, eight rebounds, and three steals to lead his team to a blowout victory, and now has 5,995 career points in the post-season to lead the entire NBA. Although Jordan played fewer games than James in the playoffs, the accomplishment is still huge for James, giving him another accolade that’s comparable to the all-time great.
LeBron James makes seventh consecutive NBA Finals
James and the Cleveland Cavaliers finished off the Celtics in five games to advance to the NBA Finals, giving LeBron his seventh consecutive Finals appearance, which is another impressive feat. As an organization, the Cavaliers will return to the Finals for the third consecutive year, which is, of course, a first in franchise history. The NBA has also never had the same two teams meet in three straight Finals.
James continues to dominate the Eastern Conference, as his team went 12-1 en route to the Finals, including two sweeps. Now in his eighth total Finals appearance, James looks to bring Cleveland its second title and fourth for himself. Can he win another one to further solidify his place in NBA history?
Looking ahead
The Cavaliers will face the Golden State Warriors in Oakland on Sunday, June 1st in what should be an amazing series. How do you stop LeBron James?
The Warriors have a handful of defenders to throw at James, including Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and even Klay Thompson. Those four will alternate on James to try and wear him down.
The Warriors are versatile enough to contain James, but it will still take a team effort. Golden State will have to use a lot of help defense, clog the paint, and be physical with James.
James has been extremely aggressive throughout the playoffs, averaging 32.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game on 55.4 percent shooting from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point distance.
He has been a man on a mission, flipping the switch once again and gracefully leading his team back to the Finals.
While James was able to bring his team back from a 3-1 series deficit last year, the Cavaliers will face a tougher Warriors team that added superstar Kevin Durant to the team last summer. Last time James and Durant faced off in the Finals, LeBron and the Miami Heat beat Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. However, this is a different team for Durant, and James will have his hands full.
Can he break more records on his way to another championship?