LeBron James Laughs Off Nets As Heat's Biggest Challenge
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A season sweep of the defending champs? Yeah, Brooklyn is for real.
But LeBron James doesn't sound too worried about the red-hot Nets potentially ruining the Miami Heat's run at three straight NBA titles.
After Tuesday's loss to Brooklyn, James was asked by TNT's Craig Sager: "Are they your biggest challenge in the East?"
The 29-year-old was quick to dismiss the question.
"Get outta here, Craig," James responded with a laugh. "Next question."
There's no denying that Brooklyn has Miami's number, though Tuesday's 88-87 victory wasn't without controversy. James was denied a dunk attempt in the closing seconds by Nets rookie Mason Plumlee, who wasn't called for a foul despite some contact.
"He grabbed my right hand," said James, who finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. "He didn't do it on purpose, but he got my right hand."
With the win, the Nets became the first team to sweep a four-game regular-season series from a James-led team, according to ESPN and the Elias Sports Bureau.
Brooklyn (43-34) currently holds the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, two games behind Chicago. Miami has a half-game lead over Indiana for the East's top spot at 53-24.
"I don't know (if we're going to play the Heat in the playoffs), you know, we've got to see where the seedings are," Nets forward Paul Pierce said. "Who knows? It can change any given minute, we don't know, first round, second round, third round.
"But we know if we're going to try to win the championship this year we're probably going to have to go through Miami."
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