when did lebron james first go to the finals
LeBron James In 2006–07, James's averages declined to 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.[12] Some analysts attributed the fall to a regression in his passing skills and shot selection, which stemmed from a lack of effort and focus.[52] The Cavaliers finished the season with 50 wins for the second consecutive year and entered the playoffs as the East's second seed.[53][54] In Game 5 of the NBA Conference Finals, James notched 48 points with 9 rebounds and 7 assists, scoring 29 of Cleveland's last 30 points, including the game-winning layup with two seconds left, against the Pistons.[55] After the game, play-by-play announcer Marv Albert called the performance "one of the greatest moments in postseason history" and color commentator Steve Kerr described it as "Jordan-esque".[56] In 2012, ESPN ranked the performance the fourth greatest in modern NBA playoff history.[57] The Cavaliers went on to win Game 6 and claim their first-ever Eastern Conference championship,[58] earning them a matchup with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.[59] During the championship round, James struggled, averaging 22 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on just 35.6 percent shooting,[60] and Cleveland was eliminated in a sweep.[59]