Records galore at Madison Square Garden

While playing against New York Knicks on 4th February 2009 (Wednesday night), LeBron James of Cleveland Cavaliers created two records. He has become the first player to post a triple double in a 50 point game after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar achieved this feat in 1975. He also became the second player after Michael Jordan with multiple 50 point games at the Madison Square Garden. James’ triple double was comprised of 11 assists, 10 boards and 52 points. James remarked that to be included in the class of Michael Jordan carries considerable significance. He grew up looking at Jordan as an idol. It looks impossible that any player would reach the level of Jordan. However, it is a great honor for him that his name is listed along with Jordan’s name.

James’ opinion

In this particular game in which James created records, his team, Cleveland Cavaliers defeated New York Knicks by 107-102. Just 2 nights back, the Knicks were defeated by the Lakers and in this game, Kobe Bryant created a record of 61 points at Madison Square Garden. James commented that the performance of Bryant was incredible. The most significant part of his play was that the Lakers won the game and Bryant was successful in achieving that goal. James added that after Wednesday night’s game, he has feelings identical to that obtained after viewing Bryant’s game. He has developed the opinion that individually, it was a brilliant performance from him, but the most crucial part was that the Cavs won the game. James emphasized that the individual numbers were not that important for him as the fact that his team won.

Mike Brown, the Cavs coach and James disagreed to the strategy that James should have attempted to equalize Bryant’s record. If these two would have acceded to this intention, then it would be equivalent to not only setting unrealistic expectations but also transforming the game to basketball’s version of golf. In such a game a player does not play against any opponent but against the field and the course.

Mike’s remarks

On Monday night, during the match between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Knicks, the Madison Square Garden was half filled with Lakers fans. Whenever Bryant stepped to the line, these fans roared “M-V-P.” Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks coach acknowledged that in such an atmosphere, his boys felt a little down. However, he added that on Wednesday night, these boys lived up to the challenge and were worthy opponents. He was of the opinion that if in the last moments of the game, the situation was slightly different then the Knicks might well have won the game. However, he was proud of the mode in which the Knicks fought and said that the condition was inspiring. The Cavs are backed by the experience of participating in some final games and at the moment is a better team than the Knicks. The Knicks are having some encouraging trends in their game and are looking forward to excel in their play.