The Cleveland Cavaliers demolished the Toronto Raptors in Game 2 on Wednesday night to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The reigning world champs were red hot all night long, and the incredible play of LeBron James and company have the Cavs looking at their best on both ends of the floor all season.
James was extraordinary again in Game 2, accumulating 39 points, pulling down six rebounds and dishing five assists to go along with three steals and two blocks. The King’s incredible playoff form has continued, and his dominance saw him again climb up the NBA’s all-time playoff ladders during the victory.
As James rose up for one of his four three-pointers during the middle of the third quarter, he passed NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the second place on the NBA’s all-time playoff scoring list.
The three-time champion shot a sizzling 71.4 percent from the field, 66.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 71.4 percent from the free-throw line. On a night where he was scoring the ball at will, it was fitting he passed Abdul-Jabbar who made a career of doing just that.
With this bucket, LeBron James moves past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for No. 2 on NBA's all-time playoff scoring list! pic.twitter.com/dIBKtJa24s
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 4, 2017
James’ three-point barrage also saw him join an elite group of shooters during the win as well. James’ jump-shot has consistently been scrutinized over the years, but he continues to put those doubters to rest as he becomes just the fourth player in NBA playoff history with at least 300 made three-pointers, joining legendary sharpshooters Ray Allen (385), Reggie Miller (320), and Manu Ginobili (312).
LeBron James becomes the 4th player in #NBAPlayoffs history with 300 3PM! ☔ pic.twitter.com/m6TSMz06pd
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 3, 2017
With those 39 points, the kid from Akron also passed Kobe Bryant for second place all-time for most 30-point games in NBA playoff history with 89 games. He now only trails Michael Jordan in that area who has 109 such games.
The Cavaliers’ 125 points was a franchise record for points in a playoff game, whilst the Raptors allowed the most points by an opponent in a playoff game in franchise history.
The series now heads to Canada for Games 3 and 4 as the Cavs and James will be looking to end the series, and collect some more NBA history in doing so.
