The Cleveland Cavaliers used a play called “Chicago”, which was insisted on by LeBron James, to beat the Sacramento Kings.
In 2015, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Game 4 was notable, in part due to a game-winning basket by LeBron James.
Fast forward two and a half years later, the Cavaliers used the same play to defeat the Sacramento Kings this past Wednesday night. The play name? Chicago.
The Cavaliers installed the play based on the success James had beating the Bulls in 2015. So when the Cavaliers were clinging to a 97-95 lead late in the fourth quarter, James insisted that head coach Tyronn Lue go to a play they both knew best.
"“Was going to run a different play and then Bron said, ‘I want Chicago.’ So I said, ‘OK,'” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “We got it to him and he made a big shot. That was a huge play for us to put us up five.”"
The end result? James with a dagger to send Sacramento home with a loss.
It appears James insisting on the play call hasn’t caused a divide amongst teammates. Cavaliers guard Kyle Korver understands James has the well-deserved pull to insist on a play call, knowing that he can deliver.
"“He’s just demanding the ball,” Kyle Korver added. “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. Guys who could just, man, amazing. But he’s taken this to a whole new level.”"
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James stat-line to end the night was 32 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. With the Cavaliers winning their 13th game in a row, it appears relying on James’ intuition steered them well.