Four-time MVP LeBron James scored 31 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists in Cleveland’s 97–89 win over Atlanta on Wednesday as the Cavs took a 1–0 series lead. James had plenty of help, though, as sharpshooter J.R. Smith came off the bench to put up 28 points while hitting a franchise playoff-high eight three-pointers—topping James’s record.
But don’t feel bad for LeBron. He broke a record of his own. The performance was his 52nd playoff game with at least 30–5–5, passing none other than Michael Jordan for first on the all-time list.
Even more amazing is that LeBron and Smith, if he keeps shooting like this, have Cleveland in the driver’s seat to win the East, if not the Finals—despite the loss of Kevin Love and the injury to Kyrie Irving. Irving (knee tendinitis) started Game 1 but scored just 10 points in 27 minutes.
