LeBron James’ streak ends, but scores 39 in victory
With LeBron James playing at his best level yet, the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-100 on Thursday night.
Prior to the game, James became the first player in NBA history to score at least 30 points while shooting 60 percent from the field for six straight games. Against the Thunder, he scored 39 but shot 58.3 percent, missing a 28-footer with just over a minute left that dropped his shooting percentage below 60.
Having been a model of consistency during his streak, scoring 30 to 32 points in each game, James took it up a notch against the Thunder, not only in terms of points but also by adding 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
James began slowly, starting 3 for 7 from the field, but he closed the first half making four straight shots, all from more than 20 feet. His eight field goals from 20 feet or farther were a season high.
Even as his streak came to an end, James continued to play a brand of efficient and effective basketball that has rarely been seen. All that mattered to him was that Miami’s winning streak reached a season-best seven straight games, and the Heat beat the Thunder for the sixth time in a row, dating to last year’s NBA Finals.
Since Jan. 1, James is shooting 59.5 percent (226 for 380) from the field, despite being a player who often shoots from outside.
You can catch King James in action this weekend at the 2013 NBA All-Star Game as he is a member of the Eastern Conference team.
