When a young LeBron James posterized The Big Ticket Kevin Garnett during the 2008 eastern conference semi-finals.
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A 24-year old LeBron James was coming off a great 2007-08 season. The Cavs star won his first-ever scoring title and was crowned the All-Star MVP. The Cleveland Cavaliers were the 4th seed heading into the 2008 playoffs.
In their first-round against the Washington Wizards, James averaged 29.8 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 7.7 APG, and 1.3 BPG on a 48.3% shooting from the field. The Cavaliers would defeat the Wizards in 6 games and would then face the Big 3 in Boston.
The top seed in the 2007-08 NBA season, the Boston Celtics had assembled one of the greatest casts ever with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen as their Big 3.
The Celtics were clear favorites heading into the series against James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. Garnett had just won the DPOY award while his teammates Paul Pierce and Ray Allen had an efficient year shooting 39% from the 3-point line.
The Celtics would take full advantage of having home court, winning their first 2 games. James had a very disappointing start to the series, shooting below 30% from the field. On the other hand, Garnett dominated the floor leading his team in points and rebounds.
LeBron James gives the Cavaliers a new lease of life in Game 4 of the 2008 ECF
James was not going down without a fight, winning Game Three of the series. The Cavs star had a poor shooting night from the field but had 8.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Game Four would have James consecutively scoring 21-points for the third time but would have a remarkable 13 assists in the contest. Celtics big man KG had a great game as he notched up a 15-point double-double, shooting 46.2% from the field.
However, the highlight of the series remains James’ dunk over Garnett during the clutch moments of the match that would have the crowd in the arena on their feet.
“LEBRON JAMES WITH NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE!” 😱#OTD in 2008, @KingJames threw down this epic dunk. pic.twitter.com/iX6pjMrJZj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 12, 2021
The dunk sealed the moment for the Cavs as they would go on to win Game Four. A young James drove past Paul Pierce and would perform a poster on the 6’11” Kevin Garnett.
The Celtics would defeat the Cavaliers in Seven Games. However, James put up a spectacle during the series despite being overmatched by the star power of the Big 3.