LeBron James on historic streak as Heat defeat Blazers 117-104
Miami Heat just defeated the Portland Trailblazers 117-104. History has been made, and the ink is still running. LeBron James has just become the first player in NBA history to score over 30 points while shooting at least 60% from the floor in six consecutive games. It would be a separate matter if James went after this record on purpose, like Rondo was gunning for consecutive games with 10 assists or more. But we know that when you are playing with the aim of attaining some milestone besides winning, you tend to shoot yourself in the foot. You have to let the game come to you and take what it gives you. What makes James’ current streak all the more impressive is that he is getting his within the flow of the offense. You can’t shoot above 60% otherwise.
“I’m at a loss for words. Like I say over and over, I know the history of the game. I know how many unbelievable players who came through the ranks, who paved the way for me and my teammates. And for me to be in the record books by myself with such a stat – any stat – it’s big-time.”- LeBron said after the game.
We are at a loss for words too. LeBron has shot 70 of 96 in the last six plus games. He was in rarefied company before the start of this game, only Moses Malone and Adrian Dantley have had five straight games with over 30 points while shooting above 60%. But now with today’s game, LeBron has transcended everyone and is in a company by himself.
This script could not have been written better. LeBron broke the record and extended it to six games while getting Miami Heat’s 1,000th franchise win. And they play the OKC Thunder next, in a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals. LeBron finished with 30 points on 11 of 15 shooting with 6 rebounds and 9 assists. The assists show that he wasn’t out there gunning for the record, he came out to win. Dwyane Wade continued his strong showing as he had 24 points on 8 for 18 shooting with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Chris Bosh led the way with 32 points on 13 for 16 shooting and added 11 rebounds. Miami’s big three combined for 86 points. When three of your players can give you that, you don’t really need double figure scoring from the others. Ray Allen came off the bench for 14 points on 5 for 11 shooting. “I love playing with him,” Bosh said of James. “It makes my job easier, and I hope that I make his job easier. The chemistry is flowing.” Bosh ended LeBron’s eight game streak of leading the Heat in scoring.
Although, had that counted, it would have been different.
Miami outrebounded the Blazers 32-25. They also got a lot of high percentage shots as they had 46 points in the paint to 36 of the Blazers. Another stat worth noting from the other team, rookie Damien Lillard is making a strong bid for Rookie of the Year; this was his 25th game this season with 20 points or more. He had 33 points on 10-18 shooting. But he only had 3 assists. A point guard needs to move the ball more and get his team-mates involved. LaMarcus Aldridge is also compiling a personal stat – this was his fifth straight game with at least 11 field goals made in each. Aldridge finished with 29 points on 13-20 shooting with 5 rebounds. Wesley Matthews added 20 points on 8-13 shooting, with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. No other Blazer finished in double figures.
The Heat improved to 35-14 and dropped the Blazers to 25-27. Portland has now lost four straight games. If LeBron can continue dominating when the Heat go up against the Thunder, it would be a perfect extension of his streak. LeBron would rather just walk away with a win though, streak or no streak. Here’s a look at how amazing LeBron’s streak is-