LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a gutsy win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Quicken Loans Arena Friday night. He almost notched another triple-double for himself, but the biggest story of the night is the record-breaking performance that saw him move past the great Michael Jordan in an all-time ranking.
With a dunk in the first quarter, James scored his 11th point of the contest, making him the owner of the longest double-digit scoring streak in NBA history.
Here’s a clip of the momentous field goal.
Right after the final buzzer, James was asked to give his thoughts about the historic night. Here’s what he has to say:
That debate will probably go on for a few more years as long as he puts up similar performances such as the ones he’s been doing this year that has led to one of his best seasons in the NBA. At 33 years old and in year 15, James is putting up an MVP-type season, lifting the Cavs throughout a tumultuous campaign, based on their standards.
Past the accomplishments and all the glamour that his NBA life has brought to him, James has remained in touch with the kid from Akron. In an article by Dave McMenamin for ESPN, the Cavs’ forward looked back on the narrative of his journey to the top.
“[You] know, where I’ve come from, brought up 30 minutes south of here, and the statistics is always stacked up against you, and for me to be in this position today, being able to accomplish something that a lot of people thought would not happen again or be able to break a record like that. It means a lot for me, and it means more to the youth that kind of needs hope.”
The Cavs will have a day off before they host the Dallas Mavericks at home on Sunday. It’ll be a test of Cleveland’s killer instinct as its opponent will be entering their house with nothing to lose, making it a trap game for the defending Eastern Conference champions.