Watch: LeBron 'didn't feel that great,' still scores 38 in Game 1
Ten days had past since the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers last took the floor, giving them ample rest in preparation for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals Wednesday against the Boston Celtics.
Cleveland didn't trail once the entire night, blowing out the No. 1 seed in convincing fashion, 117-104.
Despite a spectacular performance from the four-time league MVP, James admitted afterward that he wasn't in peak form after such a long layoff.
"After 10 days off, I didn't feel that great, but I know I feel a lot better heading into Game 2," James said in his post-game interview. "So I'm looking forward to the challenge."
James dropped 15 points in the first quarter alone, finishing with 38 on 14-of-24 shooting to go along with his nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 41 minutes of action.
It was his seventh straight playoff game with 30 points or more, and his ninth in a row with at least 25 points on 50 percent shooting.