New York Knicks Spoil “The Return”
The single-handed most anticipated return in quite possibly the history of sports.
LeBron James returns to Cleveland to play for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.
The hype was real all day. From the beginning of the day, early in the morning everyone centered around the city of Cleveland. All media, ESPN, TNT, and every sports outlet was completely covering the presentation that is “LeBron’s Return”.
The day dwindled towards the start of the game, Kendrick Lamar performed for the Cleveland faithful, Kevin Hart was there and made an appearance. Justin Bieber, Usher, Joe Haden, Johnny Manziel and Spike Lee were the big names in attendance to watch the return.
There was a fan vote to determine whether or not LeBron would return the powder toss and it was a resounding 95% of fans voted to bring it back. The stars were alligned and to put the cherry on top, LeBron would get to face off his long-time rival from prep school days, Carmelo Anthony.
I mean just look at this perfect powder toss.
But on this night, the New York Knicks, led by rookie coach Derek Fisher had other plans.
And on this night, LeBron James didn’t seem like he was ready for what the Cavaliers were planning on doing.
From the jump, LeBron missed his first shot and started off very, very shaky. His first points were scored on a Kevin Love rebound, outlet pass deep to LeBron running in transition. LeBron took it in and Carmelo Anthony fouled James but LeBron sunk the shot.
Carmelo Anthony dropped a game high 25 points with 2 rebound and 6 assists and buried a baseline jumper in LeBron’s face with 25 seconds remaining to give the New York Knicks a 92-87 lead in which they held, to finish off a 95-90 victory.
Kyrie Irving scored 22 points, dished out 7 assists and brought down 5 rebounds. Kevin Love recorded his first double-double of the season and as a member of the Cavs when he added 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Cleveland though, has some major work to do before they can start thinking about winning any titles. Let alone winning the East. The Knicks just found the holes in Cleveland’s defense and exploited the Cavaliers mistakes.
Iman Shumpert and Jason Smith had 12 points apiece for the Knicks, who were embarrassed at home Wednesday by Chicago but then returned the favor on an epic night for Cleveland. Quincy Acy started and had some huge hustle points, including a nice tip back slam as he posted 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. J.R. Smith had 11 points and 7 assists as well as 9 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for Shane Larkin who got his second start for the Knicks.
Let’s just say Lebron’s finest moment came with the pre-game powder toss. His shots were off the mark, his passes lacked precision and he just didn’t look prepared for tonight’s game. James started poorly, shooting just 1-of-9 from the field in the first half including 4 first half turnovers. He also had a miscommunication with Irving, who broke to the basket just as James was firing him a pass. The ball flew into the first row of seats next to film director and super Knicks fan Spike Lee. LeBron James finished with 4 assists. This is the first game in James’ career that he finished with under 20 points, at least 8 turnovers and under 5 assists.
The Knicks, booed at times by New York faithful crowd that filled Madison Square Garden a night earlier when they were getting blown out by the Bulls, built a seven-point lead in the third quarter and was up 86-77 on Anthony’s bucket with 3:07 remaining in the third.
With James unable to find his shot, Irving kept Cleveland close in the game and his jumper brought the Cavs close, 88-85 with 1:43 left. J.R. Smith hit a jump shot, and after James made a driving layup, Anthony knocked down that previously mentioned baseline jumper with his good friend guarding him to put the nail in the coffin for the Cavs.
New York’s bench outscored Cleveland’s, 41-12 and that proved to be the difference as well as the Knicks shooting 53% from the field compared to the Cavs 45%. Four Knicks scored in double figures for the Knicks compared to 5 for Cleveland.
He’s home, but he didn’t come back just to reunite with friends and family and have some fun. LeBron James wants to win a title for this town, which hasn’t celebrated a pro sports championship since 1964.
The journey of the return has started. It won’t be easy. And tonight’s game was evidence of that.
Full game highlight courtesy of ESPN.com
