James passes Jordan for consecutive double-digit games record

CLEVELAND — With another special night in a season of unfathomable greatness for the 33-year-old superstar, LeBron James’ pursuit of a ghost seemed like a race he can win.

“My motivation is the ghost I’m chasing. The ghost played in Chicago,” James told Sports Illustrated after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their only championship in 2016.

Some might argue that James needs more than three titles to be considered the greatest of all-time, even though James’ supporting cast during his first seven years in Cleveland couldn’t compare to Michael Jordan’s when he won six with the Chicago Bulls.

James took another step out of Jordan’s shadow Friday night, rallying the Cavs from a 13-point deficit for a 107-102 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Quicken Loans Arena. With 27 points, James scored in double figures for the 867th consecutive game to pass Jordan, whose mark of 866 stood for 17 years.

James wasted no time, scoring nine points in the first five minutes and getting the record-setter on a dunk with 5:59 left in the first quarter. Nikola Mirotic and Solomon Hill didn’t dare to contest, instead serving as helpless spectators to history.

The Cavs stopped the game at the 4:49 mark to acknowledge the feat and give James the game ball. A standing ovation ended with fans chanting “MVP!”

With his 941st career 20-point game, James also tied Kobe Bryant for the third most in league history. James also totaled nine rebounds and 11 assists in 42 minutes.