LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers made quite a bit of history against the Indiana Pacers.
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are resting up until May 1st after completing a sweep of the Indiana Pacers. It’s rest that they deserve after displaying an extreme level of mental focus throughout the series. James, in particular, was fun to watch all throughout the series as he played with the vitality of an 18-year-old.
Along the way, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and James in particular, put their names in the record books.
Here are 21 accounts of the Good Guys making history in their first round series against the Indiana Pacers:
- The series against the Indiana Pacers was the first time anyone ever averaged at least 32 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks per game in any series.
- LeBron James breaks a tie with Karl Malone for most 30-point, 10-rebound games with 43 and now only trails Shaquille O’Neal.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers tied the record the smallest margin of victory in a sweep in NBA history (16 points) with the 1974-1975 Golden State Warriors.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers had their most potent attack in franchise history against the Indiana Pacers (112.8 points per game).
- LeBron James passed Kobe Bryant in career field goals made in the playoffs (2,015) in Game 4.
- LeBron James has the most playoff sweeps in NBA history (10), breaking a tie with Tim Duncan.
- LeBron James breaks the record for most consecutive victories in the first round (21), breaking a tie with Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Michael Cooper after Game 4.
- LeBron James ties Jerry West for the most 30-point, 10-assists games in the playoffs (14) and now only trails Michael Jordan (15) in Game 1.
- LeBron James becomes third player with eight 40-point games on the road (Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan) and second player with two 40-point triple-doubles (Oscar Robertson) in Game 3.
- Cleveland Cavaliers complete the largest comeback in postseason history in Game 3.
- LeBron James sets a career-high in points he scored or assisted on in a playoff game (73) in Game 3.
- The Big Three score their most combined points in a playoff game (89) in Game 2.
- Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love each scored 25 points or more in the same game for the first time in the postseason in Game 2.
- Kyrie Irving passes Mark Price in for 2nd-most playoff points in Cleveland Cavaliers history in Game 2.
- LeBron James has his best defensive game ever, with his first ever game notching at least 4 steals and 4 blocks in Game 2.
- LeBron James passes Kobe Bryant for third all-time in points in Game 3.
- LeBron James passes Kobe Bryant for fourth all-time in three-point field goals in Game 3.
- LeBron James passes Robert Parish for 8th all-time in total rebounds in Game 2.
- LeBron James passes Wes Unseld for 7th all-time in total rebounds in Game 3.
- LeBron James passes Magic Johnson for third all-time in steals in Game 4.
- LeBron James breaks tie with Kevin Garnett, passes Bobby Jones to be 21st all-time in blocks in Game 2.
It should surprise no one that James played so well in the first round. Especially considering the fact that James hasn’t lost a first round game since 2012. However, the fact that the Big Three managed to play so well and be so explosive should make Cavs fans ecstatic because even though the defense has played better the team still leads on the offense of the Cavs.
It’s also interesting that James passed so many Los Angeles Lakers legends just based on James’ affinity for the franchise. It’s also interesting that Kyrie Irving passed Mark Price for the 2nd-most playoff points in franchise history. For a player who looks more and more like he can be the 2nd-best player in franchise history by the day, that was a fitting milestone for Irving to reach.
In what was one of the more entertaining series James has played in recent years (even though it ended in a sweep), Cavs fans got to witness greatness. James may be putting his name on the billboard for “The Greatest Player of All-Time” right before our very eyes.
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What do you think about what LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to accomplish in Round 1. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.