Thursday, March 21st, 2013 at 9:10 am  |  96 responses

LeBron James Refused to Let Miami’s Winning Streak End in Cleveland


by Marcel Mutoni / @ marcel_mutoni

The 24th straight victory was, by far, the hardest one in this incredible winning streak. Trailing by 27 points to the lowly and underhanded Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat looked like they were about to fold.

But as he has done so many times this season, LeBron James would not allow his squad to take an L.

The reigning MVP recorded his 4th triple-double of the year, and led the furious rally that kept the streak alive.

Per the News-Herald and ESPN:

He said the comeback was fueled by the Heat’s defense. They outscored the Cavs in the second half, 64-40. “We had to get stops,” James said. “That’s what got us back into the game, getting stops. Shane Battier’s two 3s helped our defense. Tonight our offense helped our defense.” James said he wasn’t concerned with the second-longest winning streak in NBA history. “The streak wasn’t on my mind,” he said. “Getting blown out was on my mind. It was a good quality win, especially being down like we were. We were down by 27 with 18 minutes left in the game, but that’s a lifetime.”

The Heat dubbed these last few games as the “reunion tour.” Sunday they played in Toronto, Bosh’s old haunt, and won. Monday they played in Boston, Ray Allen’s former home, and won in a thriller. Wednesday they one-upped them all and put together one of the most remarkable games of the season thus far in James’ old building. “I didn’t want to be the only guy to take an “L” on the reunion tour,” said James, who scored 11 straight points in a 40-12 Heat run during the third and fourth quarters that reversed the game. “So I had to dig down.” [...] “That guy right there,” said Dwyane Wade, nodding toward James’ locker, “did not want to lose in this building, not tonight.”

LeBron James called it one of the greatest comebacks he’s ever been a part of. He also admitted that it was a very bizarre day, one that saw a lengthy delay due to a leaking scoreboard, and a fan bum-rushing the court to plead with James to re-sign with Cleveland after next season.

The amazing show rolls on.

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  • Max

    Stern wanted OKC to win aswell.

  • Max

    It’s just the Cavs, don’t look into it like that.

  • Max

    Nobody should remember heshot 41% in the 96 finals.

    Because they won.

  • shockexchange

    With all of the media – 200 T.V. stations, twitter, facebook, TMZ, MTO – there is rabid interest in NBA players and their salaries have grown tenfold since the Jordan era. Joe Johnson’s current contract is worth more than MJ’s career earnings. The downside with all of the media is that they also spend more time reporting on your every move, who you dated, and what you ate for breakfast.

  • Redd

    Yes..because a lot of people were interested in finding out if OKC could begin a 1 game win streak.

    You make a great point, they’re exactly the same thing.

  • Redd

    That’s my point, they should’ve been demolished.

    It may just be the Cavs but each game on this streak is being paid attention to.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=509819249 Gaurav P.

    Lebron’s had the most scrutiny and pressure of any athlete, ever. More than Jordan (Jordan wasn’t picked #1, or touted to be the GOAT since his high school days, nor was he present in the 24/7 news cycle era).

    This guy could have been a massive flop (and a waste of Nike’s dollars) had he faltered under the pressure and the negativity like many others have. He could have gotten greedy and played for the money, etc. But he didn’t – he’s just gotten better year-in and year-out and knocked down one obstacle after another, whether it was the Pistons, the Celtics, The Decision, whatever.

    Not only has he managed to be successful, he has legitimately surpassed the expectations that were placed on him since he was 16 years old.

    PS – I’m not trying to “Stan” the man – I legitimately hated his guts until last season when he changed his entire demeanor.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=509819249 Gaurav P.

    I agree with you.

    However, it still needs to be said that anything Lebron has done off the court is nothing compared to the sh*t that Jordan got away with during his time. I mean for the love of God, the man punched out TWO of his teammates.

    Can you imagine if Kobe or Lebron had done that in this era??

  • bike

    True for sure, that stuff that Jordan did back in his day was kept under wraps. The media and masses wanted it that way. If anyone attacked Jordan, it was almost considered blasphemy. I always suspected Jordan had a bigger gambling problem than was ever made public but I also remember at the time not wanting to believe it.

  • Max

    No, but if you watched the game you would have seen all the calls going in okc’s favor and ZBo getting assaulted without foul calls.
    And what I ment with it’s just the Cavs is, you pointed out they had bad passes and left 3pt shooters open.
    Newsflash, they’re a bad team with bad defense.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    Miami has done this in 3 of the last 4 games man. They seem to just let teams show what they have, and then turn it on in the second half. There is no conspiracy. Not even kinda.

  • Redd

    There’s turning it on & there’s being handed the game on a silver platter.

    I’m in no way saying the Heat shouldn’t have won, I’m saying that come back was fixed. You’re telling me a Cavs team without Varajao, Waiters, Kyrie can pummel the Heat like they did? Come on!

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    so what your saying is, you have a conspiracy theory about a game you didn’t watch?

  • robb

    Yeah, you’re right, but the media is full of guys like him. Skip’s got more exposure, but in terms of how he “analyses” Lebron’s game, you know, there’s an army of bad analysts out there doing the same thing. That’s what I meant by “all those guys”. And they may say the most aberrant stuff and people may laugh at them, but they do create a buzz, they’re like mosquitoes, and I think Lebron was bothered by those mosquitoes a year ago, but now he doesn’t even hear them.

  • No one

    Man, i am a kyrie irving and uncle drew big fan. I even think of him as one of the best guard in the league with his crazy O skills. But i doubt that cavs would won even him, dion, and varejao were playing. Its just i dont think that they would win. But it wouldve been so interesting. Like a matchup in kyrie vs lebron as they would be taking shots in the last seconds

  • No rrte

    “im not Mj, im Lj” -lebron ..hes just another basketbal player dudee

  • http://twitter.com/AjpDos Allen Powell

    That was due to the switch to Payton in the final three games. He was smoking before that.

  • http://twitter.com/AjpDos Allen Powell

    I agree. Just pointing out that modern superstars do carry a heavier overall load.

  • http://twitter.com/AjpDos Allen Powell

    You just proved my point. Whatever the reason what I said was true.

  • pposse

    after i wrote and posted my comment i thought the same thing too lol.

  • shockexchange

    The subtlety is that they make multiples of what Dr. J, MJ and Ewing made, not because they play better, but because there is a lot more fan and media interest in the sport. Would they trade in “gettin’ money” for the media interfering less into their personal lives? They can’t have it both ways.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000166716900 Anthony Darnello Taylor Jr.

    I remember Kucoch (spell check, Pippen, Rodman, Paxon, Kerr, Hodges, Armstrong, Hot Rod, Grant, with the exception of two Hall of Fame guys (see Pippen and Rodman) all were great role players not just a rag tag group of guys. Jordan’s team was a 55 win team without him soooooo….yeah. How many have the Caves won since LBJ left I think it has barely been able win 63 games in those three years combined. Don’t believe me…just look http://www.nbauniverse.com/teams/records_cleveland_cavaliers.htm

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000166716900 Anthony Darnello Taylor Jr.

    Right, Jordan did take the game to new heights globally though, and changed how players could be marketed though.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Brill86 Andrew Woods

    jordan got attention and adulation, not hate and this level of scrutiny

  • Anthony Dixon

    they will lose in the second round of the playoffs

  • Redd

    When did I say that or even give an implication even at the slightest that would make you think that..? Lol

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    The Heat were getting crushed because they were out of sync and couldn’t hit a shot. You wouldn’t need any of this ridiculous other conspiracy in a regular season game garbage to figure out that was what happened in the first half……..if you watched it. They just got hot and started playing harder & better in the second half. The opportunities in the half were better because the defense was better. It’s cause and effect. There was no conspiracy that the cabs players would miss on purpose or the ref would call an insignificant foul (no ref influenced play had any major impact on that game), and there was no league wide play like its professional wrestling.

  • 23

    Yeah that was my point. That LeBron isn’t just expected to live up to his own expectations, he is expected to pattern his career after MJ. He is expected to live up to everybody else’s insanely high expectations.

  • 23

    No ppl are mad he left his home team. Even tho his teammates sucked, ppl wanted him to stay there and never win a chip. Those are haters

  • DTL

    Spoelstra needs to start resting his starters and playing them only 20-25 mins per game going into the playoffs. This win streak is jeopardising their re-peat.

    The pressure to keep this streak going is seeing Wade and LBJ play big minutes. LBJ played 42 against the Cavs – its way too much. Play the starters for less than half the game, and get the subs involved and try and win it from there…if not, then move on. 33 in a row is a big ask and its at the wrong end of the season. They will peak too early.

    They already have the Easts best record wrapped up. Just stay ahead of OKC and they likely have the Western conference home court advantage wrapped up as well…cant see Spurs getting to finals even if they have the best record in the league…Parker out, really hurts them.

  • http://www.facebook.com/chris.callihan1 Chris Callihan

    Well, there’s a straw man fallacy. When did he imply that?

  • Redd

    Calls get screwed often in bunches at times.

    Actually..they were killing the Heat.

  • Redd

    Again..I’m not saying the Cavs could’ve won.

    But you’re wrong & I’m wondering if YOU watched the game. You’d see the 9 steals came off of literally passing it out out of nowhere. How do you explain leaving Zeller out? C’mon man.

  • pposse

    so haters are the ones that villify him for spearheading a super team?! I’m just trying to be objective here, but if you replace Lebron on Miami with Kobe, KD, Rose, Russell Westbrook, CP, Carmello, hell even Paul George that Miami team is still the odds on favorite to win the title. They might not make it look as easy as Lebron is, but all those guys can replace bron bron and should win the title with that constructed team.

    Anyone who hates on bron for leaving cleveland are stupid and need glasses, everyone should have seen that coming like 5 years ago.

  • pposse

    thank you.

  • shockexchange

    Glad the Shock Exchange could oblige.

  • 23

    That’s where we disagree. I dont think anybody can fill LeBrons shoes. LeBron is the reason Miami are the favorites. If you switch him and melo, then NY would be favorites. Hell if you switch him and Paul George then, Indiana would definitely be favorites! RW, George & melo would not make Miami the favorites, I’m sorry thats just not a smart comment. And don’t even get me started on switching LeBron and Kobe.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    “literally passing it out of nowhere” — that doesn’t make sense.
    .
    and you are the only person on earth, who claims to have watched that game, who thinks it even may have been fixed.
    .
    I don’t know, I’m not the coach. Maybe Zeller was sick? Maybe he kept doing something wrong that was pissing Byron Scott off? Maybe he said something in the huddle?
    .
    Maybe it’s a conspiracy theory, to keep Tyler Zeller out of a basketball game against the Heat, because he was too good.
    .
    Seriously, this conspiracy theory you have made up is stupid. It really, really is.

  • pposse

    okay find RW was a stretch i couldnt help myself but list him. but any of those guys (besides RW) can sub in for lebron and they don’t necessarily have to be the focal pt. I mean D Wade would probably be the best player if it was Carmello, Paul George, hell even Kobe. All im tryin to say is if people want to say this is Lebron’s team then they need to admit that Lebron has the best supporting cast by far, a far far margin. Only the Lakers team when healthy can compete with that cast. I do agree Lebron makes most teams the favorites, but I’m thinkin that D Wade is getting slighted big time; D Wade potentially sacrificed the most with this agreement.

  • 23

    I think the pacers, clippers, Knicks, nuggets and bulls all have deep teams with great rosters. The only difference is they don’t have that star player who makes them serious contenders. OKC has a great team with the 2nd best player on their team. San Antonio has a hell of a coach and their management always puts together a team capable of competing. Does LeBron have a great, possibly best supporting cast? Yeah. But not by far. Miami does not have a legit inside presence. And in a league filled with talented PGs, Chalmers doesn’t stand out. But LeBrons rebounding and passing ability makes up for those weaknesses. Basically I don’t think anybody can lead Miami to a championship except LeBron or KD.

  • Redd

    And I really really could care less because you haven’t said anything that debunks it.

    For the record I hate conspiracy theories and I ignore them cause its dumb. What I’m pointing out is something that was obvious ok the sly. They were passing it wildly, but back to Zeller. Maybe he was benched for having a double double? Idk maybe Thompson took 2 shots cause he was actually not playing good? Maybe guys sagged off Lebron cause nobody is worried about him making shots?

    Get over yourself, you have your opinion and it’s not wrong but I have mine and it’s my own which I believe in.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    THERE IS NOTHING TO DEBUNK.
    .
    I can’t debunk something you just made up.
    .
    Debunk that Unicorns existed at some point.
    .
    Debunk that there is a conspiracy that Slam pays me to comment and annoy the sh*t out of you.
    .
    Debunk that I am levitating at this moment.
    .
    You see, you can’t debunk made up bullsh*t that came from an imaginary place, other than by saying it’s imaginary.

  • http://twitter.com/apowellAdvocate Allen Powell II

    Good point homie, good point.

  • Redd

    I’ll keep my opinion, it was fixed, enjoy!

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    sure buddy. i just find it shocking that you can seriously feel that way, it is absolutely outrageous to think a regular season game was so fixed, that even the players were involved. Player’s who will be in this league for a lot longer, and player’s who will be in this league for not very long.
    .
    You know the best way to pull off a cospiracy?
    .
    Be the only person who knows about it.

  • Redd

    No & I get, maybe my theory is the stupidest thing this site has seen.

    But look I never believe in conspiracy theories, give me cool hard facts or don’t. With that said, I guess I was just looking at it differently. I do think if you can you should go back & look at late 3rd & 4th with an open mind because the stuff that was happening was just mind blowing.

    But again it’s my opinion & by no means a fact, I realize when it comes to the NBA you deal with pure logic & pure knowledge.

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