By the Numbers: Cavs Snap 4-Game Slide with 57 Points from LeBron

LeBron scores 57 while playing the entire second half 

LeBron James had another MVP-like performance in a win to snap Cleveland's recent slide.

If anything, LeBron James isn't used to losing. Not just during the playoffs. Not just in the Finals where he is 3-5. 

LeBron James hates losing in the regular season. And yet, he just lost 4 straight. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost three games against relatively mediocre teams coming into their match-up against the Washington Wizards. 

And Tyronn Lue knew one thing: he won't be coaching for long should the Cavs' misery doesn't end soon. Fortunately, the Cavs finally broke out of their slump. Thanks to a dominating performance by... 

You guessed it, folks. LeBron James.

The King scored 57 points, tying Kyrie Irving's record for most points scored in a game. He also became the 7th player to reach 29,000 career points as he led the Cavs to a 130-122 win against the Washington Wizards despite Bradley Beal's 36 points. 

So how did the Cavs come out victorious on this one?  

Below are the numbers:

John Wall hit the Wall

For a player like John Wall who has been averaging 21 points per game this season, his 13-point output against the defending Eastern Conference champions was far from what fans expected of him. 

Sure, his backcourt partner, Bradley Beal exploded for 36 points and if it wasn't for Beal, the Cavs would have blown the Wizards away. John Wall had to bleed for all of his points as he only made 4 of his 13 attempts, missed all 3 shots from the 3-point line, and missed 7 free throws. Given how close the final score was, it would have been different had Wall made more from the free throw line. What a waste, indeed.

42 Points in the First Quarter

As they say, begin the game on a good shape. chances are, you will win it all. Both the Wizards and the Cavs started the game scoring from all angles as the Cavs ran away for 42 points during the first 12 minutes of play. 

57 Points. Plus More

As mentioned above, LeBron's 57 points against Washington tied Kyrie Irving's franchise record. Although he didn't have to because he had tons of help from various players including Derrick Rose who had 20 points, Jae Crowder with 17 and Kevin Love with 11, the King was clearly unstoppable regardless of who Scott Brooks put on against LeBron. #23 made 23 of 34 shot attempts and went perfectly in 9 tries from the free throw line. Aside from that, he had 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. And yes, he did all of that for 43 MINUTES.

Free Throws are Precious

• Washington: 21 of 31
• Cleveland: 26 of 28

If you look at the disparity in the free throw numbers, both attempted and made, you'd probably say, "Damn it, Washington!" The Cavs won by 8 points and the Wizards missed 10 free throws. On the other hand, Cleveland did a great job in taking advantage of their opportunities from the line and the numbers don't lie either:

• LeBron James: 9 of 9
• Jae Crowder: 8 of 8
• Kevin Love: 5 of 5

Conclusion

Despite their recent losing streak, make no mistake about it, folks. The Cavs are still the best team in the East, at least on paper. While uncertainty looms around Washington owing to the injury of John Wall, we can't just count them out of the picture. Just yet. Despite the loss, the Wizards are also one of the teams in the East that can challenge the supremacy of the King and his Cavaliers.