LeBron James Passes Ray Allen on NBA's All-Time Scoring List

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James didn't let his role in the team's prior loss impact his play on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics.

James erupted for 21 first-half points to all but ensure a Cavs victory and made history before the evening was over at Quicken Loans Arena. He passed Ray Allen for 21st on the NBA's all-time scoring list, per The News-Herald's Bob Finnan:

It's appropriate that James surpassed Allen against the latter's former team. Allen was in Boston when he won his first NBA championship, a key cog on a Celtics squad that gave James plenty of grief in his first Cleveland stint.

After the game, James posted a tribute to Allen on Instagram:

ESPN Stats & Info alluded to how James has a knack for lifting his game versus Boston:

The last time James was in action, he missed eight of 11 free throws and struggled to convert at the rim in a two-point overtime loss in Houston. It's safe to say he shook off that underwhelming outing, as he made his first three attempts from the charity stripe on Tuesday.

James is just 30 years old, and he isn't far behind former New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing (24,815) for 20th in career points (per ESPN.com). It stands to reason James will pass Ewing soon enough—along with almost everyone else before he's finished playing despite his penchant for passing.

Another encouraging trend for the Cavs from Tuesday's contest was the return of All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who went down with a shoulder injury and was out for the previous two games.

As long as Irving and James are healthy, neither them nor any of Cleveland's other capable offensive players should have any trouble lighting up the scoreboard.