Last night, the chant by fans at Madison Square Garden was directed at a visiting player. Not just any visitor, but the exceptionally talented LeBron James.
In one of the signature performances of his career, the 23-year-old James erupted for 50 points to go with 10 assists, eight rebounds and four steals in leading Cleveland to a 119-105 victory over the Knicks.
Although he's a self-described 6-9, 260-pounds and essentially operates as Cleveland's de facto point forward, James made 16-of-30 shots, including 7-of-13 from 3-point range.
His outburst came a few nights after Kobe Bryant scored an NBA season-high 52.
Those types of performances are the reason why Kobe and LeBron are considered the front-runners in both this season's MVP race and the on-going debate about who's the best player on the planet.
Statstically, LeBron is averaging 30.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 2 steals. By comparison, 29-year-old Kobe checks in with 28.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.95 steals.
A slight statistical edge for LeBron, but Kobe is regarded as a better individual defender.
But James also has less of a supporting cast and, interestingly, his team has beaten Kobe's in 8 of 10 head-to-head meetings. Let the debate continue.
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