LeBron James puts on a historic show during the dramatic comeback win over the Indiana Pacers. He proved to the world once again why he’s one of the most clutch players in NBA history. James scored eight of the Los Angeles Lakers' first 10 points in the fourth quarter, helping his team secure a 104-102 victory. James was quiet on the offensive end for three quarters. He was still able to add to his record streak, which now stands at 1,283 consecutive games with at least 10 points.
LeBron James played a remarkable 38 minutes. This was his third game back after missing two weeks with a left groin strain. James was up against a daunting task, not hitting a field goal for the first three quarters—a first during his 1,553 regular-season games. He made quite the dramatic comeback in the last minutes. With only 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation, he reached out and palmed the ball with his right hand. In an electrifying play, he caught a missed floater and turned it into the game-winning layup before the buzzer sounded.
"The game is never over until it says zeroes on the clock, literally, tonight," said LeBron James.
James ended the game with 13 points, a team-high 13 rebounds and seven assists. His performance tied him with Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson for the second-most game-winning buzzer-beaters in NBA history. The only person with more is Michael Jordan.
From the outset, the Lakers followed James’ lead, as they scrapped and clawed back from a blistering Warriors start. Even as James continued to have offensive struggles of his own, he made himself impactful in other regards.
"It's just about still what can I do to still affect the game," LeBron James remarked.
Even James wasn’t quite sure what to do after he tipped in the game-winner at the buzzer. His modest reaction is typical of his preoccupation with the team’s success. His teammates didn’t wait long to shower him with praise for the energy he brought to the hardwood.
"He's a winner at heart. That's really it," stated Lakers guard Austin Reaves.
LeBron is still on the mend from his groin strain. His bounce-back game against the Pacers is a testament to Wilson’s character and poise. His knack for stepping up when the biggest moments arise has been the defining characteristic of his storied career.
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