A record that keeps moving
LeBron James was 41 years and 304 days old on the night he beat the Knicks, and the box score looked like a much younger man’s. He finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in Philadelphia’s 98-93 win. It was the first 20-point game of his Sixers career.
The line made him the oldest player since the shot clock arrived in 1954 to reach 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game, a mark he already held and has now pushed back himself. He also tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the fifth-oldest player in NBA history with a 20-point game.
no renewal
Free for 2 weeks.
Clutch time belongs to Philadelphia
The longer view is just as striking. James has now scored 20 or more points in 68 games since turning 40, more than every other player aged 40 or older in league history combined, who total 67.
His teammates see the same thing late in games. Tyrese Maxey called James a “calming presence” in the closing minutes, and the numbers back him up: all five Sixers wins this season have come in clutch time, meaning the final five minutes with the score within five points. Two of them have come against a Knicks team that won six straight in this series heading into the year, including a second-round playoff sweep on the way to the NBA title.
No regrets about the move
James signed with Philadelphia as a free agent in large part to enjoy himself, play with friends such as Maxey and win. A month into the season, he says all three boxes are checked. He told reporters he is having a great time, likes the competitive spirit in the group and feels more than happy with the decision to come.
Discover the rest of our NBA news on MathODDS!
in your pocket.
Real-time notifications & alerts
Leave a Reply