It just had to be him. LeBron James hit the game-winning fadeaway in his home state to defeat Team Durant, 163-160.
There is no game clock in the fourth quarter with the new format. After three quarters, there is a target score. Whichever team reaches that first wins. Tonight that was 163.
LeBron called for the ball while Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine guarded him in the post on an empty set. James sized him up while Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid rushed over to provide LaVine help defense.
The help didn’t matter.
James turned around and shot a rainbow one-legged fadeaway over both defenders and nailed it to secure the win. Team LeBron is now 5-0 since the NBA revamped the format five seasons ago.
Watch the play below (h/t: Bleacher Report):
CLEVELANDDDD THIS IS FOR YOU.
Bron called game. pic.twitter.com/e4nVTxA8eh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 21, 2022