On Wednesday night, the Cavs hosted a critical game 5 in their first round matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The game started with mere speculation if this would be LeBron’s last game as a Cavalier at home. LeBron would be a free agent this summer and fans wonder if he would do what he did back in 2010 and leave his hometown Cleveland for a powerhouse dynasty.
All doubts were lightened when James finished the game with 44 points , 10 rebounds and 8 assists…and of course, a series of two plays in the last 10 seconds of the game with a game saving, controversial block, and a buzzer beating three that won the Cavs the game.
All of this happened after the Cavs gave up another lead and went on a dry shooting spell in the fourth quarter. According to Bleacher Report, the Cavs went nearly seven minutes in the fourth quarter without a made field goal. A characteristic that I think will keep the Cavaliers from their ultimate goal this season.
The Cavs need another playmaker who can score and hit shots late in the game. This person can lift weight off of LeBron’s shoulders, and be a productive scorer. Who will that be?
Nevertheless, LeBron is still clutch.
With the game tied, and a late game turnover on the Pacer baseline by James, it seemed that it would be up to the Cavalier defense to put up a stop and send it into overtime.
Until another one of LeBron James’,”LeBlock” happened.
With around five seconds left on the clock, Pacers all-star Guard Victor Oladipo, drove down the lane. Guarded by LeBron, Oladipo went up for a layup on the left side of the basket with his right-hand. LeBron rose up, swatted the ball off of the backboard.
The Cavs immediately called timeout after they got the block, whereas the Pacers immediately called for a goaltend to be called. On replay, it appears that the ball hit the backboard first before the block was made, technically making it a goaltend. The refs were however not able to review the play since the play was not stopped.
Coming out of the timeout, everyone must have known who the last shot was going to...LeBron James got the inbound pass from teammate Jae Crowder, took two dribbles and took a shot infamous to his style of play, a fall away three. The shot fell through the basket in enough time for the horn to sound, signalling the end of the game and the Cavaliers boost of a 3-2 series lead.