With just 10 seconds remaining in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ regular-season opener against the Chicago Bulls, it was clear that LeBron James was going to get a chance to tie or win Tuesday night’s game.
Everyone in attendance at the United Center—including President Barack Obama—knew the best player in the league would be receiving the ball, but the question was could the Bulls stop him?
James received the ball on the perimeter with roughly eight seconds remaining in the game. After a nice screen was set on his defender, he managed to get some room and had the option to either attempt a three-pointer or drive to the hoop.
With only Pau Gasol in the lane at the time, James elected to try for the “easy” deuce. Except it wasn’t easy, as James’ layup attempt was swatted away by Gasol at the last second.
The Bulls hung on to win the game, 97-95. The thrilling finish marked a great start to the 2015-16 season.