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The 500 Club has a new member. LeBron James joined Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Moses Malone as the only players in NBA history to score 10 points or more in 500 consecutive games during a Miami win over Toronto last night.
“I’m very humbled. I’m very blessed. Every time I see something like that, I be in awe. I’ve been able to stay healthy, you know, for the most part, and being able to be out on the floor for my teammates and be productive, and that’s all I can ask,” said James, on reaching the milestone.
The milestone was reached where LeBron scored 35 points to go along with eight assists and eight rebounds to lead the team to a 104-95 win. This win marked the fifth consecutive game in which the Heat scored 100 or more points, and it also snapped a two-game skid.
James picked up season highs in rebounds and points, and he talked about rounding into shape for the season.
“I’m getting there. I ain’t where I wanna be, but I’m getting there slowly but surely. I just gotta continue to work my habits, continue to get a great feel out there, and then watch out,” he said.
Shane Battier started in place of Chris Bosh for the Heat, who missed the game due to the birth of his daughter. Dwyane Wade added 20 points, and Ray Allen added 14 points. Rashard Lewis and Michael Beasley saw extended minutes in the absence of Bosh, and the two combined for 10 points.
The Miami Heat will take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.
The Orlando Magic, sitting at 2-2, will receive a visit from the 3-1 Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers will come into the game with their new acquisition J.J. Redick, who spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career with the Magic before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
“He got his work done. He’s a guy who got better every year so the team could get better. It wasn’t just about his scoring ability and being an offensive threat, he got better defensively, which made him into the player he is now,” said Magic guard Jameer Nelson, when asked about his former teammate.
Even with Redick’s return, the key to slowing down the Clippers remains stopping Chris Paul. Magic rookie Victor Oladipo weighed in on slowing down the All-Star point guard.
“He’s like a general out there. He gets people in right places. He gets to his spots very easily, and no matter what, he gets there. He gets people involved and stays aggressive at the same time.”
It will take a lot more than just one man to slow down the Clippers high-scoring offense and the Magic will look to do so when the game tips off tonight at 7 p.m.
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