It’s Too Little, Too Late for Cavaliers

LeBron James’ triple-double wasn’t enough to put Cleveland into the playoffs.

James had 27 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds to lead the Cavaliers to a 104-95 victory over Toronto on Wednesday night, but New Jersey’s victory over Boston secured the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference for the Nets.

“I just wanted to put us in a position to win. I did that. We needed some help, but we didn’t get it,” James said. “We did our part tonight, but we didn’t do our part at other times and it came back and got us.”

James was only one rebound short of a triple-double at halftime as Cleveland led by 15. The Cavaliers then began the second half with a 16-2 run. His driving layup gave Cleveland a 29-point lead with 5:12 left.

James said before the game that he would be checking out the scoreboard.

“When we first got the score Boston was up 17, then they were up 10, then five, four and it just kept going down,” James said. “This is not the end of the world. I got a family at home to take care of that brings a smile to my face every day. I do this because I love to do this, but I got family members at home.”

Cleveland went 4-7 down the stretch and James suggested the team was in turmoil.

“There were some missed opportunities on the court and some distractions off the court,” he said. “It always catches up with you when you are not doing things right.”

Many Toronto fans were rooting for Cleveland. One had a sign that read: “LeBron make Vince golf this season!” in reference to Vince Carter, who acknowledged he didn’t give a full effort before his trade from the Raptors to the Nets.