The 2003 NBA Draft was an exciting year for the future of the association. Dwayne Wade was picked 5th by the Miami Heat. Chris Bosh was picked 4th by the Toronto Raptors. But the most promising prospect was Lebron James, selected 1st overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. James made the Cavs exciting for the city of Cleveland. With the addition of Mike Brown as head coach in the 05'-06' season, the Cavs produced their first 50 win season in over a decade. James led the Cleveland to the NBA Finals in 2007, but were swept 4-0 by the San Antonio Spurs. In both the '08-'09 and '09-'10 seasons, Lebron led the Cavs to back to back 60-win seasons, finishing 1st seed in the Eastern Conference. He would also be awarded MVP in both seasons, but could not seem to fight his way back into the Finals.
With just a few puzzle pieces away from James' first NBA Championship, his free agency was inching closer and closer. On July 1st of 2010, Lebron James officially became a free agent. On July 8th, 2010, Lebron James announced on national television that his decision would be to take his "talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat". Just one day later, free agent Chris Bosh would also sign with the Heat. The Heats new "Big 3" would be one of the most criticized and scrutinized (and hated) teams in the history of the NBA.
The Cavs' were left high and dry, finishing the 2010-2011 season with a dismal 19-63 record, finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference. They also registered an NBA record for the longest losing streak, losing 26 straight games.
On December 2nd, 2010 Lebron returned to Cleveland. It would be the first time the Heat's Big 3 would play in Cleveland that season. Police and security was at an all time high at the Quicken Loans Arena. James single-handedly shut down the Cavs, scoring 38 points, leading the Heat to a 28 point blowout win. The Cavs players would receive waves of criticism and anger not because the fans expected a win, but because they barely put up a fight as the King walked all over them.
But March 29, 2011 would be a day for Cavs fans to rejoice. The Heat returned for their second match in Cleveland. James did not come out of the locker room when his name was called. But this did not hold back the sold out crowd of over 20,000 fans from the relentless booing. The Cavaliers would win wire-to-wire 102-90, never allowing the Heat to pull ahead despite a 19-1 run in the 3rd quarter and James' triple-double. The final minute of the game was arguably one of the most electric and exciting finishes to any regular season game that season. Despite one of the worst season in Cavaliers history, the team would give their city one night of triumph and celebration, and the revenge they greatly deserved.
"Good night South Beach, there is no Heat in Cleveland!!!" -Fred McLeod, Fox Sports Ohio
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