LeBron James vs. Pelicans: Stats, Highlights and Twitter Reaction

LeBron James was originally credited with a triple-double in Cleveland's victory over New Orleans on Monday night. However, Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon-Journal reported that the league later took away a rebound and assist from the former MVP's stat line.

James finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Continue for updates.

Thursday, Nov. 13

LeBron Comments on Stat Correction

LeBron James commented on losing his triple double on Thursday, according to Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer:

Haynes added more from James:

"

"I had two reactions," James said. "My first reaction was it didn't matter, we won and who is the guy in there actually checking every stat? That was my second reaction and my kids didn't quite like it. They didn't care at all, they were like, 'why would they do that?' You know, that's crazy to them."

[...]

"So my first reaction was it doesn't matter, you guys know I don't really care," he said. "If we would have lost and an assist would have been taken away, I would have had a problem with it but I don't care, we won. But I just want to know who is actually in the office 13 games a night that's recording every statistical category and if that's the case, why am I the only one that 's been, it's my second time by the way."

[...]

"I don't know if it's a Cleveland thing or is it a LeBron thing or, I don't know," James said.

"

Tuesday, Nov. 11

NBA Corrects James' Statline

Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon-Journal reported on the league's review of LeBron James' performance vs. New Orleans on Monday night:

"

The league took away one of James’ rebounds and one of his assists after watching the tape of Monday’s 118-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. In order to maintain the integrity of the statistics, the league’s review process of stats is fairly standard. Last year the league made a couple hundred changes to statistics, but few drew the attention that removing a triple-double from the league’s best player will receive.

'Through our normal review process, we noticed there were two errors in the statistical scoring last night and both have been adjusted,' NBA spokesman Tim Frank told the Beacon Journal.

"

Monday, Nov. 10

LeBron James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers has featured underwhelming play by the superstar amid a 2-3 start. Things appeared to be clicking for King James and the Cavs' star-studded roster on Monday, though.

James registered a triple-double against the New Orleans Pelicans' stout defense, posting 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in Cleveland's 118-111 victory at Quicken Loans Arena.

SportsCenter noted how often James has achieved the venerated stat line as a Cavalier:

Ball movement and a lack of aggression from James plagued the Cavs before Monday's game. Despite the presence of Pelicans big men Anthony Davis and Omer Asik, James found success in attacking the rim, sinking 13 of 17 free throws while hitting nine of 17 field-goal attempts.

Before the contest, James hinted that he might be in for a big performance following a four-game road trip:

ESPN Stats & Info highlighted how James' capable teammates rose to the occasion too:

Skip Bayless of ESPN weighed in:

Here are a few notable moments, which mostly showcase James' stupendous passing ability:

Among the 10 dimes James dished out on the evening, he had just four turnovers—and threw in a steal and a block for good measure. 

All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving matched James with 32 points of his own, while Kevin Love poured in 22 and drilled six three-pointers.

The Cavs' new Big Three appears to be jelling after facing a fair share of adversity to start the 2014-15 NBA season. It also seems James is taking up his expected leadership role as he tries to deliver a Larry O'Brien Trophy for his home team.

Doing so will be a tall task, especially in the first year, because no team is going to take the Cavaliers lightly—even in the regular season. However, none of Cleveland's next three opponents have winning records at the moment.

James and Co. will therefore have a chance to go on a nice run ahead of a home showdown with the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs on November 19.