The King Takes Over The Palace
You can say this performance from ‘King’ James marked his official arrival and the first of many signature moments in his career.
On May 31st, 2007 a 22 year-old LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers headed into The Palace of Auburn Hills in a 2-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
It was the second straight year that the Cavaliers once again were locked in a tough playoff series with Detroit Pistons. The previous year the Cleveland Cavaliers lost in seven games to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
In familiar territory as was the case the previous year, Cleveland erased a 0-2 series deficit after winning two games on their home floor in Northeast Ohio.
What would happen in Game 5 as the veteran Detroit Pistons unit led by Chauncey Billups tried to hold off James’ Cavaliers from taking control of the series?
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Game 5 was a night to remember for LeBron James, who carried his team as he scored the last 25 points for Cleveland from the fourth quarter on to send them to a thrilling 109-107 double overtime.
James’ epic 48-point night in Game 5 would prove to be a dagger for the Pistons, as Cleveland would go on to wrap up the series in six games, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Where does this moment rank in LeBron James’ NBA career? Leave your comments below.