The Cavaliers seemed motivated by the fans during the first quarter and were able to keep the game competitive. In the second quarter, the Cavaliers' weaknesses were more apparent, as the Heat started to build up a lead. The Cleveland fans booed Lebron every time he touched the ball, but the 26-year-old superstar seemed unaffected by their chants. First were chants telling Lebron "Akron hates you" and later on chants of "Scottie Pippen," inferring that James was now Dwayne Wade's sidekick.
In the third quarter, Lebron brought out his A-game and played some of his best basketball this season. Going 10-12 from the field and scoring 24 points with incredible shot after incredible shot quickly silenced the home crowd. By the end of the third quarter, Lebron had 38 points, eight assists and five rebounds. The Heat was dominant in the third quarter. James checked out of the game and spent the entire fourth quarter as a spectator.
Cleveland fans grew restless during the fourth quarter, and fans who acted out were immediately escorted out of the arena. James joked with teammates, seemingly happy he was able to come back and dominate his former team. Faces that were loud and boisterous became sad as reality set in. The days of Cleveland being a contender were over and no amount of fan support was going to help them defeat the many elite teams that have emerged this season.
James tried to be gracious when interviewed by TNT's Craig Sager, saying he had a great seven years in Cleveland. When asked if he wanted to apologize to the fans, he replied "No."
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