The Cleveland Cavaliers completed an astonishing comeback on Thursday night, as they defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 after trailing by as many as 26 points during the contest. Going into halftime down 25 points down, the game seemed all but over until the Wine and Gold were led by another all-time playoff performance by LeBron James to come roaring all the way back and take a 3-0 series lead.
It was a night that had to be seen to be believed, and the Cavs made NBA history on the evening registering the biggest comeback the playoffs have ever seen.
It was this type of grit, determination, and playoff performance by James that give the Cavs confidence they can do it all again and defend their crown. He finished the night with 41 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, and two blocks in a breath taking display of talent and composure.
As a collective, the Cavs made history, but James himself broke a plethora of records individually also. He was the catalyst for everything in Game 3, and single-handedly kept the Cavs in it before turning on the turbo button and taking over the game in a way very few ever could.
James was dominant, and broke these NBA records on the night:
– With his fourth rebound against the Pacers, James passed Wes Unseld for seventh place all-time on the NBA’s all-time playoff rebounding list.
– With his twelfth point during the second quarter, James passed Kobe Bryant for third place all-time in NBA playoff scoring.
– The four-time MVP nailed six three pointers during Game 3, moving past Kobe Bryant for fourth place on the NBA’s all-time playoff three-pointers made list.
– James registered his 17th post season triple double, the second most all-time.
– With his second 40-point triple double, James also tied Oscar Robertson for the most in NBA playoff history.
– No other player besides James has recorded 28 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block, and no turnovers in a playoff game. James did it in the second half alone.
– The victory in Game 3 was James’ 20th consecutive first-round playoff win, tying him with Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Michael Cooper for the most in NBA playoff history.
It’s fair to say James and the Cavs put in a history-making performance during Game 3 in one of the hardest arenas to win at come playoff time. With the game looking all but out of reach, the Cavs dug deep and found their championship resolve to come back and eventually end the night with a huge victory.
As for LeBron James, he has had so many signature playoff moments it’s hard to determine exactly where this one ranks, but the world’s best player is showing exactly why he’s the King, as his assault on the NBA record books continue.
