After missing his first game of the 2014-15 NBA season with left knee soreness Friday night, LeBron James looked dominant in the first half on Friday, dropping 25 on the New Orleans Pelicans in a breathtaking display. However, New Orleans still held the advantage, 62-57, at the break.
LeBron kept things rolling personally and finished with a majorly-impressive 41 points, but the rest of the offense couldn't get on track until it was too late as Cleveland lost its second-straight game, 119-114.
Turning Point:
LeBron James scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter. The rest of the Cavs scored just six. That imbalance allowed for the Pelicans to win the quarter 25-17, and extended a five-point halftime lead to thirteen at end of three, 89-76.
Key Stat:
LeBron James passed Mark Price (802) in the Cavs' record books on Friday for the most all-time 3-pointers by a member of the franchise.
Cleveland MVP:
LeBron James was absolutely transcendent, scoring 41 points on 17-of-24 shooting, while adding five rebounds and five assists. It wasn't enough on a night where the rest of David Blatt's offense went AWOL, but it was a breathtaking performance nonetheless.
Brooklyn MVP:
Ryan Anderson was the X-factor for the Pelicans with Anthony Davis forced to leave with a chest contusion after playing just seven minutes. Anderson picked the Pelicans, however, tying a career-high with eight 3-pointers to finish second on the team with 30 points altogether.
Tyreke Evans also stepped up in Davis' absence, leading the team with 31 points on 13-of-24 shooting.
What’s Next?
The Cavs get the weekend off before starting a five-game homestand on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets.
New Orleans will look to maintain momentum in the second game of a three-game homestand on Sunday, welcoming in the NBA-best Golden State Warriors.
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