A jumper by Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in the third quarter of their Eastern Conference finals, Game 5 clash against the Boston Celtics lifted him above the great Michael Jordan as the leading scorer in NBA post-season history.
And post-game, James revealed as a kid growing up in Akron, Ohio that he looked up to the man that he overtook as a “God”.
James increased his career post-season scoring total to 5,995 points with 35 points in their 135-102 win over the Celtics in Game 5, eclipsing Jordan’s record tally of 5,987 points.
“I wear the number [23] because of Mike,” James said after Game 5.
“I think I fell in love with the game because of Mike, seeing what he was able to accomplish. When you’re growing up and seeing Michael Jordan, it’s almost like a God. I didn’t ever believe I could be Mike. I started to focus myself on other players and other people around my neighbourhood. I never thought I could get to a point where Mike was. I think that helped shape my game.”
LeBron James w/ extended thoughts on Michael Jordan: "I wear the number because of Mike. I fell in love with the game because of Mike." pic.twitter.com/bsrJAqXWEh
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 26, 2017
James also told reporters, post-game that he patterned himself on Jordan both on and off the court.
“I did pretty much everything that MJ did when I was a kid,” James said. “I shot fadeaways before I should have. I wore a leg sleeve on my leg and folded it down so you saw the red part. I wore black and red shoes with white socks. I wore short shorts so you could see my undershorts underneath.
“I didn’t go bald like Mike, but I’m getting there. … I did everything Mike did. I even wore a wristband on my forearm.”