Lucky Number 13
06 Dec, 2017
The play is called ”Chicago,” named after a game-winning shot LeBron James made in the playoffs to beat the Bulls.
It worked like a charm again in Cleveland.
James drained a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left and finished with 32 points as the Cavaliers tied a franchise record with their 13th straight win, 101-95 over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
James, who changed his sneakers three times, also had 11 rebounds and nine assists, helping the Cavs rally from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to remain unbeaten since Nov. 11. His decisive 3-pointer in the final minute over JaKarr Sampson came after James went to the bench during a timeout and told coach Tyronn Lue to run a play for him.
”Was going to run a different play and then Bron said, `I want Chicago.’ So I said, `OK,”’ Lue said. ”We got it to him and he made a big shot.”
After catching the inbounds pass, James took a dribble to his left and then stepped behind the line and knocked down his fifth 3-pointer.
‘It felt good,” said James, who finished 12 of 18 from the floor. ”I was able to get the laces where I wanted them and I got enough space, I created enough space with the step-back away from JaKarr and I was able to let it go. It felt good the whole time.”
Cleveland, which also won 13 straight in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, will try to break the team record Friday at Indiana.
This one wasn’t easy. The Kings gave the Cavs everything they had, but couldn’t contain James in the clutch. That’s been the case for nearly every team that has faced the three-time champion, who is shooting with a confidence rarely seen in his career.
”He’s amazing,” said Kyle Korver, who opened the fourth quarter with three straight 3-pointers to give Cleveland the lead. ”He’s just demanding the ball. He’s like, `Give me the ball, we’re about to win.’ And, I’ve been around some guys who’ve had amazing years. I’ve been playing with him and Derrick (Rose) when he was MVP. Allen Iverson when I was young.
”But he’s taken this to a whole new level. It’s amazing to have a better than a front-row seat, because I’m usually on the court next to him somewhere. I’m glad he’s on my team.”
Zach Randolph had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Buddy Hield added 17 points for the Kings. Sampson grabbed 16 rebounds in his first start this season.
While Cleveland’s win streak is impressive, James said he won’t consider anything special until the Cavs nearly double it.
”Twenty-five,” he said when asked where the streak needs to get to before becoming significant. ”Because you’re getting close to 33 (Lakers 1971-72), that’s the all-time record. We ain’t nowhere near close. We got close in Miami. We got to 27 and lost to Chicago.”
Thanks to James and another Chicago, the Cavs roll on.
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