LeBron James: 10 Best Playoff Performances

Game 5 at Detroit, 2007 Eastern Conference Finals

For many, this is the game that put LeBron James on the map as a truly elite player in the NBA.

Playing in the first Conference Finals of his career, James and his unheralded Cavalier teammates were tied 2-2 with the veteran Detroit Pistons heading into Game 5 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

At just 22 years of age, James turned in a performance for the ages, scoring a then-playoff career high 48 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists.

With under 10 seconds remaining in regulation and the Cavs down by a bucket, James steamrolled to the basket for a dunk. Detroit’s 2004 Finals MVP, Chauncey Billups, missed a go-ahead field goal with as the clock expired, sending the game into overtime.

After one period of overtime, both teams still could not be separated. With the two teams tied at 107 a piece, James coasted past three Pistons defenders for the game-winning layup as the Cavs pulled out a 109-107 win.

James’ performance was made even more legendary by the fact that he scored the Cavaliers’ last 25 points of the game, willing his team to victory in the pivotal Game 5.

The Cavs would close out the series in Game 6, booking a ticket to the first NBA Finals in franchise history.

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