James carries Cavaliers to 3-2 series lead
LeBron James drained a buzzer-beating three-pointer to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 98-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers yesterday morning (Singapore time) and within one game of advancing in the NBA playoffs.
James scored 44 points to lead the Cavs, who took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven first-round series and will try to close out the Pacers on Saturday in Indianapolis.
Seconds before his game-winner, James blocked a driving Victor Oladipo shot at the rim to keep the score locked at 95-95.
Cleveland then got the ball to their superstar, who pulled up at the top of the arc and unleashed his shot over Thaddeus Young, his only three-pointer of the game.
James beat his chest in triumph, jumping on the scorers' table to acknowledge the rapturous crowd.
"As a kid, you always have those 3-2-1 moments," James said. "That's what it kind of felt like.
"It felt like I was a kid all over again, just playing basketball at my house. With makeshift hoops and my socks as a basketball and making the noise. So, that's what it felt like."
The Cavaliers, trying to return to the NBA Finals for a fourth straight season and add to the title they won in 2016, took their first lead of the series.
But James said they have plenty of work remaining against the Pacers.
"That team never stops, and it's going to be even tougher on Friday," he said.
"We've got to be mentally strong, like we did tonight."
With his 21st play-off game of 40 points or more, James moved past Jerry West for No. 2 all-time on that list, which is topped by Michael Jordan with 38.
In Toronto, DeMar DeRozan poured in 32 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 108-98 win over the Washington Wizards in Game Five of their first-round play-off series at Air Canada Centre.
Toronto lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series 3-2. - AFP
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now