LeBron dominates, Cavs remain unbeaten in preseason

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Man, isn't great to have LeBron James back on the Cavaliers?

After watching him dominate the last four years in Miami, Cavs fans were able to get a glimpse tonight of what LeBron will look like playing again in Cleveland. After sitting out last nights game, LeBron had his best game (so far) in his return to Cleveland. LeBron led the Cavs, who defeated the Indiana Pacers 98-93, with 26 points, and did so on 9-12 shooting from from the field.

Kevin Love and Dion Waiters struggled tonight, after stellar performances last night. In tonight's game, the two of them combined for 13 points on 5-20 shooting.

Love only played 17 minutes tonight, part because it is the preseason and part because of his neck. Early in the first quarter, Love was hit in the neck and went to the bench in some pain. He would later return, but after shooting some free throws, he was pulled for the rest of the night in order to not risk any more damage.

A.J. Price continued to impress this preseason, scoring 14 points and grabbing three rebounds. He has played well in crunch time, part of the reason the Cavs are 4-0 this preseason. Based on his play, he's nearly earned himself a spot on this roster.

Three Things:

1. When the offense struggles, LeBron will be there.
Similar to last night, the offense struggled to find a rhythm. The ball was sticking to certain players and the flow was not as smooth as people would have liked to see. Fortunately, the Cavs have LeBron James, who can take over any game, at any time. With the Cavs leading by six early in the third quarter, LeBron scored 10 of the Cavs next 12 points, to put them ahead 68-57. LeBron wants Love and Kyrie Irving to be the main scoring options, but if and when they both struggle, LeBron will be there to take over and get the offense back on track.

2. The defense was improved from last night.
Whether it was LeBron being back in the lineup, or head coach David Blatt giving them an earful after last night's horrendous defensive performance, the team defense look much better tonight. Indiana scored 93 points and shot 40.0 percent from the field. Like I said last night, if the Cavs can be just average on defense, they will still be really good. I realize that Indiana will STRUGGLE on offense this year, but any time you can hold an NBA team to under 40 percent shooting, you have done a spectacular job on defense.

3. A.J. Price deserves a roster spot.
Signing as a free agent in August, Price was uncertain if he would get a spot on this team. With Dellavedova as Irving's back-up, and a plethora of other guards on the roster, there was no guarantee he would be suiting up for Cleveland his season. After the last four preseason games, it looks like he deserves to be on this team. Price has averaged 8.0 points per game, while totaling five assists to just two turnovers. He might not get plenty of minutes this year, but has earned a roster spot from his play so far.

Statline of the game: LeBron James. 26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 9-12 from the field.

Cavs fans have waited for years to see LeBron dominate in a Cavs uniform, and that is exactly what he has did tonight. This is the first of many great games The King will have this year.

What's next: Oct. 17, home against the Dallas Mavericks.