The Bulls' defense against James was picture perfect through the first four games: James averaged 5.8 turnovers per game on 37.7 percent shooting from the floor through Games 1-4. By tasking Butler to pressure James's drives and rotating Joakim Noah over to protect the rim, Chicago looked to have solved James.
Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson was ejected early in the fourth quarter of Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers after getting into a physical altercation with Matthew Dellavedova. Gibson knocked Dellavedova to the ground in a battle for a rebound. While on the ground, Dellavedova locked up Gibson's leg. Gibson then responded by kicking at Dellavedova, which sparked a scuffle.
It was a performance for the ages for James, who now sits on the cusp of his fifth consecutive Eastern Conference finals appearance. James dropped 38 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three rebounds on 14-of-24 shooting from the field in 41 phenomenal minutes of play. James did most of his damage in the paint, where he scored nine of his 14 baskets.
Game 1: Bulls 99, Cavaliers 92 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Game 2: Cavaliers 106, Bulls 91 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Bulls 99, Cavaliers 96 (Bulls lead 2-1)
Game 4: Cavaliers 86, Bulls 84 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Cavaliers 106, Bulls 101 (Cavaliers lead 3-2)
Game 6: Thursday, May 14, TBD, 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
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