James’ triple-double puts him in exclusive club
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.
Article continues after this advertisementGolden 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:
Article continues after this advertisementJERRY 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.