A torrent of criticism has been thrown the Cleveland Cavaliers’ way recently and apparently Cavs superstar LeBron James was frustrated with the amount of derision the team has received and elected to take it out on the Denver Nuggets during the two teams’ matchup on Monday night.
James and the Cavaliers are attempting to fend off the Toronto Raptors for the Eastern Conference’s first seed, and going into this game they nurse a one-game lead over the Drake-etts, so recording a victory in this one was vital.
James ensured that Cleveland would not falter as he dropped a mammoth 33-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in the Cavaliers’ 124-91 shellacking of the Nuggets.
With the exception of the second quarter, Cleveland, who was without starting power forward Kevin Love, was in complete control of the game and they were led by the dominant James who is now third all-time in 30-point triple-doubles with 19.
Most 30-Point Triple-Doubles All-Time
Oscar Robertson 106
Wilt Chamberlain 21
LeBron James 19
(via @EliasSports)— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 22, 2016
James’ 19 30-point triple-doubles is also the most in the past thirty seasons, ahead of both Michael Jordan (14) and Magic Johnson (12). As postseason play nears we may see more of this from James, who seems to have been sleepwalking at times this season, possibly to preserve his body for the long-haul.
When LeBron wants to ratchet up the intensity, he’s arguably the best player in the world. Some may indict him for “coasting,” at times, but if anyone understands when exactly to turn it on, it’s James.
