SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: LeBron James leads the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals

LeBron James has been called “The Chosen One” since he was a junior in high
school. Many who scouted him said that he was a physical marvel standing at 6’8” and that his basketball IQ was out of this world. Fast forward to after he was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Many wondered when his moment of arrival in the playoffs would come.

That would come in 2007.

Then-Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over the defense of then-Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince during the third quarter of an NBA Eastern Conference final basketball game at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan, on Thursday, May 31, 2007. Photo credit: Duane Burleson, The Associated Press
Then-Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over the defense of then-Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince during the third quarter of an NBA Eastern Conference final basketball game at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan, on Thursday, May 31, 2007. Photo credit: Duane Burleson, The Associated Press

James would lead the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Detroit
Pistons who, with their stifling defense, were the favorites. On May 31, 2007, James would put his entire team on his back in a huge game versus Detroit. “The Chosen One” would score the Cavaliers’ final 25 points on the way to a double overtime win over the Pistons in game 5. The Cavaliers would go on to win the series and face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

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