06-03-2008

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LeBron James scored FIFTY as he introduced the Yankees LeBron 5 at Madison Square Garden, New York. »

If you’re wondering how to make a shoe popular here’s an idea. Go to the greatest sports arena in the world and drop 50 points with all eyes on you as it will be remembered as one of the greatest perfomances ever. Hours after the Yankees V’s were released at the House of Hoops in New York LeBron James had 50 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds to win over the Madison Square Garden crowd wearing his latest NYC-themed kicks. He exited with fans standing and chanting “MVP!” in the final minute.

I’ve dreamed about playing well in this building and it’s overtaken of how I could ever dream about. To get a standing ovation in the greatest basketball arena in the world, it was a dream come true for me. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me.

LeBron James

The “MVP!” chants weren’t enough for one fan, who had to come on the court to tell LeBron James how much he appreciated the superstar’s spectacular performance. It could have been scary, with 17-year-old Anthony Erskine from Mount Vernon coming right up to James to talk to him on the bench after James had departed for good with 23 seconds left.

It was a great feeling. You get a fan to come down there to express the way he feels about you, told me I was his favorite player, that never happens. I respect him. I respect his pride and for him to come out there and tell me something like that face to face. I’s like the (most) unbelievable thing that ever happened to me.

LeBron James

James said he was never afraid when he saw the fan coming. “I’m 6-9 and 260,” James said. “I’m all right.” King James became the first player with at least 50 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a game since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Jan. 19, 1975. Check out the highlights video.

Source: nba.com, yahoo.com, getty | From LeBron_NBA_20…

Check out some other comments from last night’s game including Knicks coach Isiah Thomas, who compared James’ performance to some of those from Michael Jordan:

You can’t take it for granted because he’s that good. He’s just a great player. I try not to because coaching a guy like that, working with a guy like that, it’s probably a once in a lifetime deal. You just try to take advantage of every second that you’re with him.

Mike Brown

The 3-ball for him, that’s the shot that you would hope that he takes. However, when he makes them like that, he’s virtually unguardable because he’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast and he’s unselfish, also. He’ll give the ball up.

Isiah Thomas

Photos Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE via Getty Images. Photos by Al Bello/Getty Images, Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images.