LeBron James wasn’t content with his performance during his Cleveland Cavaliers’ 102-99 season-opening win against the Boston Celtics. The King, who was a game-time decision to play in this game, totalled a game-high 29 points and 16 rebounds, including nine assists and two blocks — missing a triple-double by only one assist.
“I’m out of shape,” said James. “Very out of shape for my expectations and rightfully so. I haven’t been able to play through the preseason, I played one game, re-injured my ankle.”
“I don’t like where I’m at right now, but we got some practice, these games are gonna help me out. I’m out of shape, but the most important thing is we got the win.”
Entering his 15th season, LeBron James only played in one game this preseason, tallying 17 points in 30 minutes against Chicago Bulls.
Coming into Tuesday’s season-opener, the Cavs superstar was throttled as usual, playing a game-high 41 minutes — a massive ramping of activity after he missed the last preseason game against the Orlando Magic last week.
James noted it will be a learning experience for this team going forward, after they managed to squander a double-digit lead against their conference rival, who were down, but not out after the gruesome injury to Gordon Hayward, until the Cavs pulled away within the last two minutes of the game.