LeBron James' return to Cleveland

In the most highly anticipated NBA game of the season to date, LeBron James made his controversial return to Cleveland, Ohio Thursday night. Of course there was much speculation about how far Cleveland fans would go to display their anger at their "former king." But most eyes were on LeBron, come time for the 8 o'clock tip off. Many weren't sure if he would be able to handle the pressure, many thought the bitterness of his hometown fans would be too much for the Akron native. But some didn't listen to the media coverage of LeBron leading up to the event, and those people knew that LeBron would handle this situation with the upmost respect for his former team of 7 years.

When the Miami Heat came to town, they knew this game was like going into a war. The town of Cleveland reacted extremely hurt when the news came that LeBron would be "taking his talents to South Beach." So this first game back in Cleveland was one that all fans of the NBA were looking forward too. Not to disappoint, LeBron began the evening with his infamous "chalk toss" in front of the Cavalier fans who had once cheered with him, only this time they sat and booed him. At the tip off you heard resounding boos from most in attendance. Every-time LeBron received the ball, he was booed. Malicious shouts from the crowd filled the arena including "Akron hates you" and "Scottie Pippen." Low blows for sure, but LeBron never responded to any of these desperate chants from the crowd. He didn't yell at the spectators, he didn't taunt them, he didn't disrespect his former teammates. He took in the stabs at his ego; he accepted that his former team, those that praised him at every milestone in his life, showed their hatred for him.

After the Miami Heat, company of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, torched the Cavaliers, LeBron answered some intense questions. He handled them with dignity and said that the chants towards him were "nothing personal," and he "understood" the name of the game. James stated, "They came out to support their team, the Cavaliers...I don't have any hard feelings about this game, at all, from these fans. I wish them the best." These statements show great maturity and humbleness from the King of the NBA. I was very impressed with the restraint he portrayed on and off the court. While many had their reservations about his "decision," LeBron James demonstrated a NBA star playing against the Cavaliers on Thursday. He had 24 points in the third quarter, a Quicken Loans Arena record. While that statistic is pretty ironic, what's more is that James' contributed a total of 39 points in the game, without playing the fourth quarter. The NBA season still has a lot in store, but the Heat/Cavalier game was a focal point of professional basketball. LeBron James remained vigilant and strong throughout this game, and while this may have surprised many, it made others remember, that is why he is "King."