LeBron Leads Cleveland to Knicks Comeback

LeBron James proclaimed himself the king of New York after scoring 23 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday. The Cavs beat the Knicks 104 – 101.

LeBron James is the subject of persistent rumors about his future.

Cleveland was behind by 24 points in the third quarter. However, they rallied and James added 12 assists and nine rebounds. 8 of James’ assists and 7 of his points came during Cleveland’s comeback. The four-time MVP was aided by Kyle Korver, who made 21 points.

The Cavs were actually playing well after the first quarter, leading 25-22. After the second quarter, it was 51-38 to the Knicks. Cleveland gave up 7 turnovers for ten points and shot 5-of-23. They only scored 12 points, their lowest in a quarter this season.

The comeback was incredible, though. In the 4th quarter Korver scored 19 of his 21 points, including five three-pointers.

James also made a step-back three pointer to give the Cavs a 100-97 lead with 83 seconds on the clock. It was their first lead since the second quarter. After that, Korver made four late free throws to counter baskets by Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway.

“LeBron can do everything”

At full time, Korver was full of praise for LeBron, as well as the Knicks.

“I thought his defence is what turned it. He’s always going to get in the paint and make plays, that is where he is really special. He is able to do everything, and he showed that in the fourth quarter.”

“This is an amazing place to make a comeback in,” Korver said. “I think that unit has a lot of confidence right now. We just kept telling each other, keep chipping, just chip away. We’re not going to get it all back on one shot and like I said there was still a lot of time.”

Coach Tyronn Lue said that frustration was creeping into the Cavs players after going behind.

“I just thought early on we turned the ball over. Couldn’t make simple passes. Guys were open. We couldn’t hit guys. Got some open shots that we usually make that we don’t make. So, it was a little frustration setting in and I just told the guys, ‘Stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Let’s just play basketball.’”

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks with 28 points. Enese Kanter made 20. Kristaps Porzingis finished with 20 points but shot 7-of-21.

This is the Cav’s eighth straight game at Madison Square Garden without losing. Cleveland is at 7-7 after winning two consecutive games for the first time since the first two games of the season. For Cleveland and James, this is underwhelming. The good news is that this current run of four away games comes to an end against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Cleveland is + 600 to win the 2018 NBA Championship and – 150 to win the Eastern Conference.