Former Cavaliers star LeBron James makes Sporting News' 140 Greatest Sports Moments list

Former Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James has several unforgettable NBA moments at this stage of his career. 

However, none was bigger than the 23-time All-Star’s massive chase-down block against the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

Just when Andre Iguodala believed he had a decent look at the rim following a pinpoint bounce pass from Stephen Curry in transition, James used his awe-inspiring vertical athleticism to swat the ball off the glass in emphatic fashion. 

The unbelievable defensive play ranks 10th in the Sporting News’ 140 Greatest Sports Moments list.

“Nobody thought the Cavs had much of a chance in the 2015 Finals against a record-setting 73-win Warriors team," The Sporting News' Stephon Noh wrote Tuesday. "Sure, Cleveland had LeBron James. But they were down 3-1 in the series and had lost to this same team a year earlier. The city of Cleveland was also nursing a 52-year championship drought across all of its major sports.”

“Draymond Green’s suspension in Game 5 opened the door a sliver. Two gritty Cavs wins later, Golden State hosted a tense Game 7. With less than two minutes remaining and the score tied at 89, LeBron had the defining moment of his career.”

“Golden State forward Andre Iguodala took off for a layup in the open court that looked like it would give the Warriors the lead. LeBron sprinted from out of nowhere, though, pinning the ball on the glass to preserve the tie game. Moments later, Kyrie Irving buried a dagger 3-pointer that eventually led to a 93-89 win for Cleveland.”

Who knows what would’ve happened if James had failed to complete that late-game block against the Warriors in the biggest game of the 2015-16 NBA season.

With the contest knotted at 89 with limited time remaining and both teams struggling to generate offense down the stretch, it truly felt like the next bucket would win the game. 

With James denying Iguodala at the rim and Irving delivering a dagger three-point jumper shortly after, it would be ludicrous to downplay the significance of James’ dynamic one-handed chase-down block. 

No matter how James’ illustrious NBA career ends, the former No.1 overall pick will always be regarded as a Cavaliers legend.

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