LeBron James: 5 Lessons Learned As the Miami Heat Return To Cleveland

Was it inevitable? Was it only just for the 14-58 Cleveland Cavaliers to savour one sweet victory against the former King of the Q?

Well, probably.

Fairytales don't come round often in this league - especially in Cleveland, where very little has transpired (at least on the court) since LeBron James left town July 8.

Tonight Dan Gilbert and the fans got their revenge.

5. Fans Pick a Winner

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CLEVELAND - JUNE 14: A general view outside the Quicken Loans Arena before Game Four of the NBA Finals on June 14, 2007 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using

Sure this was a no-brainer as Fan Night pick, but who really knew it would go the distance?

Cavs play hard early, Heat rally and the Big 3 blow the game apart with a big stretch in the third. The King sits, Heat bench struggle and Wade gets to the cup just enough times to ensure he, James and Bosh can enjoy the final moments fist-pumping from the pine. Sounds like a recipe for a typical Heat road game, right?

Once the Heat had wiped away a 23-point deficit midway through the final period, the ending seemed inevitable. But the Cavs surged, Baron Davis found Hickson for the slam and the fans took the roof off the Q, sweaty palms and all.

It was only the 10^th time the Cavs had taken a lead into the final period at home this season, taking their record to 7-3.

4. Hickson Continues to Grow in New Role

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat posts up J.J. Hickson #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game at American Airlines Arena on January 31, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do



JJ Hickson's numbers continue to rise since starting at the four. He led the Cavs with 21 points from just 13 shots and maintained his good form at the stripe. 

Hickson's energy on the glass was enormous as he pulled down 12 boards in 32 minutes and caused headaches for Bosh inside all night.

At only 22, Cleveland fans can look forward to Hickson spending plenty more time above the ring, in lingo with the recently added Baron Davis.

Davis was impressive early hitting the opening jumper and dishing three assists before sitting.

3. They Don't Do It Like He Do It

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CLEVELAND - MARCH 29: Lebron James #6 of the Miami Heat goes up for a shot in front of Alonzo Gee #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

They’d seen it time and time before, and despite the controversy, it probably came as little surprise. The officials spent endless minutes reviewing a LeBron James 55-footer which ended the third, sending a hush around the palace the King used to call his home.

Although he struggled from distance, James was still triple-double good and reminded everyone that he’s still got his sweet spots on a floor he dominated for seven years.

2. He Still Got It

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CLEVELAND - MARCH 29: Mike Bibby #0 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket in front of Baron Davis #85 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledge

Mike Bibby saw his most minutes since January 19 at Atlanta, and with good reason. Starting in place of the injured Mario Chalmers, Bibby was hot all night, hitting 7 of 11 from distance.

It was the first time he’d scored over 20 points for the season and with the amount of open looks he’s getting as defenses collapse on Wade and James, his hot hand could prove pivotal to the post season fortunes of the Heat.

He’s now shooting a smokin’ 51% from the perimeter for the month of March and is establishing himself as a genuine fourth option.

1. We Are All Witnesses

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CLEVELAND - MARCH 29: Baron Davis #85 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after his team scored against the Miami Heat during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expres

It doesn’t matter if Cleveland doesn’t win again this season. It doesn’t matter if Miami are crowned the Eastern Conference Champions.

This one was for the fans and it’ll be the one they’ll be talking about years from now.

The passion may dwindle with each of LeBron’s future visits but March 29 will forever be remembered as the night the King was dethroned in his own castle.

With every clutch Anthony Parker bucket, every Ramon Sessions blow-by, every Ryan Hollins swat – the reality drew nearer. It was happening. It happened.

Cleveland was witness.