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LeBron James blocks Courtney Lee’s shot on NBA’s opening night (Video)

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Oct 18, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Washington Wizards at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The Wizards won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the Washington Wizards at the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The Wizards won 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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LeBron James looked like his normal self when he swatted away this shot attempt in the third quarter.

On Tuesday night, the 2016 NBA season got underway with the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks from the Quicken Loans Arena. It was a night full of celebration as LeBron James and Co. received their NBA championship rings. The banner commemorating their 2016-17 NBA Finals win also got raised to the rafters.

Going into the third quarter, the Cavs were up 48-45 on the Knicks. Things would eventually go in the home team’s direction, though, with some help via James on defense.

In the third quarter, Knicks guard Courtney Lee looked to drive to the basket. However, King James came up from behind to emphatically swat the ball out of Lee’s hands. It’s the first of what will be many highlight reel plays from one of the NBA’s elite.

James has a knack for these ridiculously athletic blocks, which is on display above. He has done this since coming into the league in 2003 with the Cavs and Heat.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Cleveland would begin to run away with the lead, despite the close halftime score. The Cavs put up 34 points in the third to New York’s 19. The gap only continued to widen in the final period.

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James also put up his first triple-double of the season with 19 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds. The block on Lee can’t be forgotten either. He also went 9 for 14 from the field. The stat sheet will be filled up for the 2003 No. 1 overall pick for another 81 games and potentially into the 2017 NBA Playoffs, where the Cavs would look for their second consecutive championship. They’re a good bet to make it to the postseason, but just have to get past the Celtics, Raptors, and others for that top spot. With LeBron James still leading the way, there’s a good chance of this happening.

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