LeBron James erupts in 4th quarter: Silences Madison Square Garden - NBA Update
On Thursday night it was a sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden and LeBron James couldn’t hide his excitement, as it was his career’s 1st playoff game at Madison Square Garden. He grew up watching the legends fighting for glory
at this arena.
Entering into the game Miami Heat were 2-0 against New York Knicks, courtesy of James and the short handed Knicks’ roster, Heat managed to hand them a double digit defeat in both games.
However on Thursday night James was fighting for more than the game, he was up against the crowd which still considers him as the villain. They were not chanting MVP but the arena was echoing “Bowl Cleaner.”
James knew about that as he is often subjected to such treatment.
“Not the first time,” James said. “Just the first time it’s been used in unison.”
James succumbed to pressure and melted down in the 1st three frames, scoring just 15 points and shot 3-for-9. He turned over the ball for 7 times and committed 4 personnel fouls and failed to guard Carmelo Anthony on
the D.
For a moment it seemed that this will be another performance that will haunt him throughout his life, the crowd serenaded with spite and his skeptics started to spit fire. James left the game midway into the 3rd and
by the end of quarter Heat were having a fragile 58-56 lead.
King James took his time, adjusted to the rhythmic reception and came back strong, just in time when his team needed him the most. He erupted with 11 straight points and scored 17 of his 32 in the decisive frame, steering Heat
to an 87-70 victory.
His jaw dropping performance silenced the crowd and snatched away the smiles from Knicks’ and his skeptics’ faces. The hooligans left early and by the time Knicks’ were heading towards their locker room in a state of disbelief
the score read 32 points, 8 boards and 5 assists for King James.
Once again he proved his critiques wrong they often label him, liability at the death. His performance in the 4th was sufficed to baffle them.
Since the start of this season James played with an unprecedented approach, he has been tallying more than 25 points in every game. He stepped up for the team in the absence of key players and has transformed himself into a lethal
clutch shooter.
Under the light of the given facts his chances to wear the championship ring are stronger than ever, especially in the wake of current development. The only credible threat in his league has been sidelined due to a nagging injury
(Derrick Rose). So there is no other team strong enough to question LeBron and company.
Based on their current performance they are on a fast track to the finals, only if James performs the way he is performing now and keep his cool. He will have that ring.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra concurred that.
"He has to stay with it; coaches like these kind of games where you have to grind," Heat coach said. "Things weren't going well and [there were] a lot of things that could have been excuses for him not to find a way to impact the
game. He kept his head in the game, he was great in the huddles and then he made big plays."
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