Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James continues his march down the path of NBA greatness. In Friday night’s 107-102 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Kid from Akron broke Michael Jordan’s record of 866 consecutive games with at least 10 points. Now, with less than ten games remaining in the regular season, James has a chance to pass Kobe Bryant for another milestone achievement.
According to a report from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James (941) has tied former Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant for career games with 20 or more points. Bryant, one of the best players to have ever graced a hardwood floor, is third on the NBA’s all-time list in this prestigious category.
James, now 33 years of age and in his 15th season of NBA service, is showing no signs of regression. He’s played in all 76 of Cleveland’s games this season, averaging 27.6 points (third in NBA) on 54.7 percent shooting from the field (36.1 percent from beyond the arc), a career-high 9.1. assists, 8.6 rebounds (career-high), 1.5 steals, and just under one block (0.9) in 37.1 minutes per game.
In his 42 minutes of playing time against the Pelicans on Friday night, James racked up 27 points on 12-of-24 shooting from the field, 11 assists, nine rebounds, and one steal.
During James’ post-game media availability, he was asked to comment on passing Jordan’s record.
“That’s a good moment, a special moment not only for myself but for my family and for so many kids that look up to me for inspiration to know that you can actually go out there and do it and know where I’ve come from,” James told ESPN. “You know, 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.”
Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry simply tipped his cap to James following Friday’s game.
“LeBron just took the game over and made shots that we would like to see him shoot,” coach Gentry told ESPN. “We tried to keep him from driving to the basket, but he made three tough shots. That’s kind of who he is.”
James and the Cavs — currently the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference standings with a 46-30 overall record — will be back in action on Sunday, as they’re scheduled to host the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off inside Quicken Loans Arena is set for 6:00 p.m. EST with NBA TV and FOX Sports Ohio having live broadcast coverage.
