James’ triple-double puts him in exclusive club
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, top left, celebrates with teammates after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 19, 2016. The Cavaliers won 93-89. AP
One of the most exclusive clubs in NBA playoff history nearly doubled its membership Sunday.
LeBron James became just the third player ever to post a triple-double in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, as he collected 27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 93-89 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State’s Draymond Green was just an assist away from getting a triple-double as well. Green finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists.
James has seven career triple-doubles in NBA Finals play to rank behind only Magic Johnson, who had eight.
Only two other players have posted triple-doubles in Game 7:
JERRY WEST, LOS ANGELES LAKERS 1969
The Lakers lost 108-106 to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 despite getting 42 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for West. That performance capped a brilliant series for West, who also scored 53 points in a 120-118 Game 1 victory. Even though his team lost, West was named the Finals MVP.
JAMES WORTHY, LOS ANGELES LAKERS 1988
Worthy picked an ideal time to deliver the first triple-double of his career. He collected 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists as the Lakers edged the Detroit Pistons 108-105 to win their second straight title.
