The Cleveland Cavaliers gave everything they had Wednesday night at Quicken Loans Arena. It wasn’t enough to spoil LeBron James‘ homecoming with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron scored a game high 32 points. LeBron also added a team best 14 rebounds. The Lakers rallied from a nine point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Cavaliers 109-105.
LeBron James receives a warm welcoming back in Cleveland!
WATCH the action on ESPN pic.twitter.com/qUV7x0BNmF
— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2018
The response for LeBron’s return to Cleveland was much different than on December 2, 2010 with the Miami Heat. The sold out Quicken Loans Arena Crowd gave LeBron a huge ovation during the introduction of the Lakers starting lineup. A wonderful video tribute took place during a first quarter timeout. The scoreboard also thanked LeBron for eleven great season in Cleveland after the game.
Thank you, @KingJames! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/LoeMSvbDLb
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 22, 2018
The Cavaliers held leads at the end of the first quarter, 28-24 and at halftime, 52-49. Cleveland also became the first team since 2017 to not record a turnover in the first of a game.
Cedi Osman led the Cavaliers with 21 points. Tristan Thompson recorded another double-double. Thompson finished with 14 points and a game high 15 rebounds.
Wednesday’s game also marked the second meeting for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Junior against their old team. Nance scored seven points and grabbed nine rebounds off the bench.
Clarkson almost stole the headlines. Clarkson led the Cavaliers bench crew with 20 points. He scored eleven of his 20 points in the fourth quarter. Back to back three pointers gave the Cavaliers a nine point lead at 96-87 with 7:33 remaining.
The Lakers defense woke up and allowed just nine points the rest of the way. The Cavaliers were outscored 22-9 by LeBron and his teammates. James scored eleven of the Lakers final 22 points.
Once again LeBron takes his team, puts them on his shoulders and carries them to victory. It’s something Cleveland fans witnessed so many times in a wine and gold uniform.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
