Watch: LeBron James knocks down buzzer-beater to win Game 5

GiveMeSport

scores

By Dan Karpuc

Published Apr 26, 2018

Tied at 95 with a few seconds remaining, everyone knew who the ball was going to

Tied 2-2 in their opening-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ game plan was simple: let LeBron James dictate everything on the offensive end of the court.As proven repeatedly during his historic career, James always shows up and performs well in these situations.He didn’t disappoint once again in Game 5, dropping a game-high 44-points on 14-of-24 shooting. He also took advantage of his opportunities at the charity stripe, knocking down all 15 of his free throws.Per usual, he impacted the game in a variety of areas, pulling down 10 rebounds, dishing out eight assists and recording a steal as well as a game-saving block on Victor Oladipo down the stretch.It was that lone block that set up what might be the most clutch individual postseason play of James' career. After boarding Oladipo’s layup attempt, James gathered the rebound with just under three seconds remaining. That was more than enough time for Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue to call timeout and advance the ball.The inbounds play was simple: give the ball to the King and let him do what he does best.

Pacers coach Nate McMillan probably wishes he could go back in time right about now. LeBron was able to dribble, gain space and get up a shot with ease well before the buzzer despite the fact that the Pacers had a foul to give.

Now up 3-2 in the series, LeBron was overcome with emotion after the buzzer sounded. He even got up on the scorer’s table and proclaimed what everyone already knew: Cleveland is his kingdom.

It was James’ fourth game-winning playoff buzzer-beater. Since he entered the league, Paul Pierce is the only other player to net two of them.

He also passed Michael Jordan in one important playoff category.

Although Jordan is often times considered the more clutch player than LeBron, that stat now suggests otherwise, at least in a playoff setting.

After the game, Kyle Korver was in awe of yet another classic shot by his teammate.

LeBron couldn’t hide his excitement in his postgame interview, either.

Had he missed the shot, the game would have gone into overtime, as the two teams were tied at 95. Prior to the heroic feat, the Cavaliers had struggled massively in the fourth quarter, scoring just 14 points, compared to Indiana’s 22.

Oddly enough, Cleveland came out strong out of the gates after halftime and scored 32 in the third quarter. But, their offensive efficiency slowed down in the fourth and they couldn’t get into a rhythm. But, when it was all said and done, James came through for his club in what is undoubtedly a huge momentum swing in favor of the Cavs.

With just one more victory separating LeBron and company from the Eastern Conference semifinals, look for him to take on an extreme high-usage role once again in Game 6. Now with their backs against the wall, the Pacers will be hard-pressed to find a way to limit him.