JAMES IS LEBRON THE MVP WARPATH

LeBRON JAMES found the perfect response to being snubbed for the NBA MVP shortlist with a record-breaking display against Boston.

James hit 22 points in the first half on Friday as the Cleveland Cavaliers led the Celtics by 41 at the interval, the biggest margin in play-off history.

He sat out much of the second half as the Cavs strolled to a 130-86 victory to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference final.

The three-time NBA champion can show once more why many believe he is the Most Valuable Player when the sides meet tonight in Game 3.

James said: “My only job is to try to be the MVP for this team every night and put my teammates, our franchise in position to be successful and compete for a championship.

“I know what I bring – and this league knows it as well. Our mindset is to treat every game the same, to come prepared to do our best – to win.

“I have to be in attack mode and put pressure on the defence. I’m trying to make plays for myself, for my team-mates. The energy and mindset is where we need it to be.”

James and the Cavaliers have already disposed of Indiana and Toronto in the play-offs – both in 4-0 clean sweeps – and are on course to do the same to Boston, with Game 3 tonight and Game 4 on Tuesday, both in Cleveland.