LeBron James appeared to stare down Michael Jordan during a breakaway dunk during the Heat’s win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday, delivering a message that the team Jordan owns is about to be finished this year.
James and the Heat now have a 3-0 series lead over the Bobcats after Saturday’s win, and it appears Charlotte will put up little resistance for the Heat as they cruise to the second round. As if the Heat’s wins in the first three games weren’t enough, LeBron James put an exclamation mark with his dunk during Saturday’s blowout .
The dunk came with just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter and the Heat already leading by 17. LeBron stole a pass near midcourt and cruised in toward the basket, but as he neared the hoop and went airborne he turned his head sideways to look at the Bobcats bench. As he ran back up the court LeBron pointed in that direction.
An ESPN camera then turned to show viewers just who LeBron was looking at as he dunked — none other than NBA Hall of Famer and Bobcats owner Michael Jordan.
LeBron James had 30 points and 10 rebounds in the game, which the Miami Heat won 98-85. James went 10 of 18 from the field, pushing his record against the Bobcats to 18-0 since joining the Heat in 2010.
After Saturday’s win, LeBron wasn’t talking about the dunk and staring down Michael Jordan but instead focusing on closing out the series.
“We were locked in on what needs to be done and our keys to win this game,” James said.
That focus is especially important given that the Heat had kept the first two contests close.
“I put it on my shoulders tonight to close out the quarter the right way,” James said after Saturday’s win. “And I think that resulted in the way we started the third quarter.”
LeBron James may only have one more chance to stare down Michael Jordan. The Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats meet again on Monday in what could be a close-out game.
