James makes history, Hill scores season-high 26 points in 129-123 victory over Nets; Three takeaways

CLEVELAND – LeBron James has etched his name in the history books once again.

This time, he stands alone.

The four-time MVP and 14-time All-Star became the only player in NBA history to tally 30,000 points, 8,000 assists and 8,000 rebounds after the Cavaliers’ 129-123 victory over the Nets on Tuesday evening at Quicken Loans Arena. James finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, giving him a triple-double average in February.

“So many great players have come through this league,” said James. “For me to be the only (one) in the categories, it’s pretty cool, it’s pretty cool. I take pride in my game. I always take pride in being a triple-threat since I started playing basketball.”

“Wow, a [heck] of an achievement,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “Coming into the league he’s a pass-first guy, unselfish, but to score 30,000 points and [be in] elite company. To do all the other things he does, just a complete, all-around player. Probably one of the best our game has seen as far as all-around passing, powerful, shooting the basketball, scoring. Just a great player.”

George Hill registered a season-high 26 points, while Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood drilled a pair of crucial jump shots in the last two minutes to seal the win, and improve the stock of the highly coveted Brooklyn pick they own in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Former Ohio State star D’Angelo Russell notched 25 points, five rebounds and six assists, taking advantage of a switching-one-through-five defensive scheme that Lue implemented in practice earlier in the day.

Here are three takeaways from the revamped roster’s first home victory…

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