LeBron James made his Indiana game-winner once before
LeBron James capped his historic night by hitting the game-winner to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 3-2 lead over the Indiana Pacers. If you look close enough, James’ shot looked a lot like another game-winner, nine years ago.
LeBron James continues to add to his legacy with moments like his game-winner against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night, giving his Cavs a 3-2 lead in the series. With seconds left and the game tied at 95, James, who had just made an epic defensive play on Victor Oladipo on the previous possession, nailed a deep 3 to win the game. James scored 44 points, grabbed ten rebounds and eight assists in the contest, which further adds to the significance.
But if you didn’t notice, James kind of, sort of made that shot before. James’ shot last night is nearly identical to the shot he made nine years ago to defeat the Orlando Magic in the playoffs.
The two major differences are that the Orlando game was in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Cavs were down by one point. Still, James relishes any opportunity to make a game winner, according to ESPN.
"“As a kid, you always have those ‘three-two-one’ moments, and being able to have one of those moments, that’s what it kind of felt like. Felt like I was a kid all over again,” James said. “Just playing basketball at my house, makeshift hoops and my socks as a basketball. Making the [swish] noise.”"
The Cavaliers have a shot at closing out the Pacers — but in Indiana. The Pacers aren’t out of the series yet: they have played equal to the Cavaliers for much of the series, and held a 2-1 lead early on. But, the greatness of LeBron is the great equalizer. The Pacers may have Oladipo, but they don’t have a LeBron James.