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The 2016 season was a remarkable one for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs’ historic comeback, led by “the King’s” brilliance, ranks high among the greatest runs in NBA history.
Once head coach Tyronn Lue took over from David Blatt, the Cavaliers were on a roll. With an overall season record of 57-25, they topped the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they posted a 16-5 record, then more remarkably, they staged a legendary comeback to defeat the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game Finals series.
Remembering LeBron James’ Historic 2016 NBA Finals With the Cavaliers
The journey started with some challenges for James and his squad.
Warriors shooting guard Shaun Livingston led the way with 20 points as Golden State opened the series with a 104-89 win. The second game saw no change in momentum, as the Warriors dominated again with a 110-77 victory, a 48-point margin that set a record for the biggest combined margin of victory in the first two games of an NBA Finals.
The Cavaliers finally fought back in Game 3, dominating with a 120-90 win to cut the series deficit. James led the charge with 32 points. But in Game 4, the Warriors regained control as Curry scored 38 points, pushing the series to 3-1 in their favor.
Overcoming that deficit would take a near miracle, but the Cavaliers refused to give up.
LeBron and the @cavs made NBA history as they overcame a 3-1 deficit in the Finals 🏆
Warriors vs. Cavaliers, 2016 NBA Finals Game 7 – 10pm ET on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/kGpltyzHv3
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 4, 2020
With their backs against the wall, Kyrie Irving and James each scored 41 points to lead the Cavs to a 112-97 win in Game 5, giving the team new life.
James’ dominance continued with another 41-point game in Game 6, bringing the series to 3-3. It all came down to the last showdown, with the Cavs full of belief and the Warriors under mounting pressure.
After all the high-scoring contests, the last game of the series suddenly saw the scoring rate drop.
However, James kept his eyes on the ball. The King pummelled home another incredible showdown, registering 27 points to cap off a historic comeback for the Cavaliers.
In the final minutes, James made a stunning chase-down block on Andre Iguodala, denying a crucial layup that would have given the Warriors a late lead. The play helped seal the win and ended the Cavaliers’ 52-year title drought.
James’ Emotional Interview at the End of the 2016 NBA Finals
After the 93-89 thriller ended, all eyes were on James, and everyone waited to hear his words. Overcome with emotion, he fought back tears of joy until Doris Burke handed him the microphone, and what followed was an outpouring of raw, heartfelt emotion.
James said, “I don’t know why we want to take the hardest road. I don’t know why the Man above wants to give me the hardest road.” He capped it all off by saying those iconic words, which would ring loud for any Cleveland fan to date: “Cleveland, this is for you.”
James nearly single-handedly carried the Cavaliers, averaging an incredible 36.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists over the final three games. He shot 50.6% from the field and an impressive 42.1% from beyond the arc. His dominant performances earned him Finals MVP honors, and no one could argue otherwise.
