LeBron James faced the No. 1-seeded Toronto Raptors in a game that had a playoff atmosphere. With the postseason inching closer, James proved that he was the most valuable player on the floor, dishing out assists and scoring at will. But more importantly, LeBron James accomplished a rare feat that has not been done since the 1977-78 season, according to Elias Sports Bureau research.
The rare feat
LeBron, on top of finishing with 35 points and 7 rebounds, also finished with 17 assists and zero turnovers, something that hasn't been done since 1977-78.
It is a remarkable achievement because turnovers can kill a team and lead to easy transition points for the opposition. James highlighted this, saying what he was most pleased with regarding his performance, "The no turnovers, for sure. If you don't turn the ball over, it doesn't allow teams to get in transition versus our set defense. It gives us extra possessions, extra shots at the basket."
What James has been able to do in his 15th season has been remarkable. According to ESPN, over his past 19 games, dating back to Feb. 7, James is averaging a triple-double with 30.5 points on 55 percent shooting (40.6 percent from 3-point territory), 10.4 rebounds and 10.5 assists. LeBron James is certainly in the running for MVP, but James Harden has just had a better overall season and deserves to win the award.
Adversity
The Cleveland Cavaliers faced some adversity on defense in the first half as they allowed a season-high 79 points, and as a result, trailed the Raptors by 15. The Cavaliers managed to play much better down the stretch, burying the Raptors 132-129 in the Cavs' favor.
The Cavaliers were able to do this by playing stout defense and scoring at will behind their leader, LeBron James.
The game was certainly a tale of two halves as the Raptors fell into playing "hero ball," and strayed away from what gave them the lead in the first place. The Raptors' bench -- which has been one of the best in the league -- seemed to be what gave them the lead in the first half.
The Cavaliers also struggled with their depleted roster, as Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, Cedi Osman, and Tristan Thompson were out with injury.
They were also without sharpshooter Kyle Korver, who was with his family following the death of his brother, Kirk. Despite being undermanned, LeBron was able to get everyone involved and win the game. The Raptors, on the other hand, were without the services of CJ Miles. The Cavs still won the game, with LeBron making the right plays down the stretch.
Who will come out of the East?
I think that the Cavaliers will be able to come out of the Eastern Conference. The Toronto Raptors simply do not have an answer for LeBron James, as was evident last night (and in prior matchups in the playoffs.)
I believe that the only team that can beat the Cavaliers is the Boston Celtics. That is now in question, though, because of the injury to Kyrie Irving, who has been battling a sore knee for most of the season. The team cannot defeat the Cavaliers without him.
