Behind The Box Score

CLEVELAND, OHIO-In LeBron James’ third return to Cleveland Friday night, the place where the King once dominated court, hatred and animosity stilled loomed over the 20,500 seat Quicken Loans Arena. But this time, the hatred didn’t feel as real. In a drama filled week from a media standpoint, LeBron, who was quoted on Thursday saying he wouldn’t “rule out returning to Cleveland” felt no love from his hometown crowd.

While the boos and occasional rants from hecklers still remained, the outcome was eerily similar to that of LeBron’s first return to Northeast Ohio on December 2nd , 2010. After Miami jumped out to a 11-0 lead early on, all energy that was pent up prior to the start of the heavily anticipated game, was instantly gone. And from that point on, Miami never looked back. Scorching the Cavs for points inside and out, the Heat were literally on fire, shooting over 70% from the field midway through the second quarter. Unable to get anything going offensively, the only impressive part of the game Friday from a Cleveland fan’s perspective, was the half time show, in which two acrobats tumbled each other in the air using only their feet. Leading by 25 after the first half, Miami would roll to a convincing 111-87 victory.

The Cavaliers, shooting 39.5% from the field, were led in scoring by rookie Kyrie Irving, who totaled 17 points, including a few eye opening drives to the hoop. Outside of Irving, Antwan Jamison, Ramon Sessions and Tristan Thompson each scored double digits. For Miami, LeBron James finished with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Dwyane Wade racked up 22 points, and Chris Bosh recorded a double double, collecting 16 points and 12 rebounds. With the loss, Cleveland drops to 11-17, while Miami continues a strong push to a number one seed in the East, improving to 24-7 during this lockout shortened campaign.

Following the win Friday, James was quoted as saying, “It’s always special coming back here. I know these fans, they know me. They know how competitive I am. I just try and lead my team to victory every night. It’s definitely special every time I come back here.” For someone who is as hated as he is in Cleveland, those are humble words from James. While Cavs fans continue to belittle James for his decision from over a year ago, it’s clear LeBron has moved on, and so should Ohio. In December 2010, there was no chance of seeing a James jersey in the crowd, but tonight, there were dozens of LeBron supporters prevalent throughout the Q. As the boos dominated the environment, the fan base almost seemed confused when James finished multiple buckets with thunderous dunks. When lovers conclude a relationship with a brutal breakup, in order to find love again, each person needs to move on and forget the past. For Cleveland to ever have a clean conscience, it’s clear they need to just let LeBron be. I understand he left Cleveland on national television and ran a franchise into the ground, but everyone needs to be broken in order to grow stronger. And with the comments from earlier this week, there is a possibility the confused fans might find love again, this time in the essence of a rekindled flame. Until then, Cleveland should focus on this team, and the progression the city has to look forward to. Even after a bitter loss Friday night, the future is still bright in Northeast Ohio, regardless of whether or not the King finds his way back home.

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