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LeBron's James' 48-point performance in the Cavaliers' 109-107 double overtime win over the Pistons on Thursday was one of the most remarkable one-man performances in a crucial game in NBA history, writes contributor Sam Smith.

The Pistons had four players, led by Richard Hamilton with 26 points, scoring more than the Cavs second highest scorer, Zydrunas Ilguskas with 16. You get the feeling that was Detroit's best shot.

Could the Cavs have gotten to the Finals without winning this game?

No way. They still might not as the Pistons came back from trailing 3-2 in last year's conference semifinals against the Cavs to win in seven games. But you get the feeling that was different and this is a different Cavs team, even a different James.

He's been impressive, but, really, never quite to the hype of the commercials and advertisements.

Critics doubted his shot, even his competitiveness and confidence the way he has passed on big shots like in Game 1 of this series or missed key free throws down the stretch of games.

That changed Thursday.

Anytime anyone new comes into the game with the reputation and the game, he is compared with Jordan. Is there a next? Should there be? It doesn’t matter.

James made his statement Thursday. He's ready to take over this era. Come and be a witness.

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Jesse D. Garrabrant / Getty Images Contributor

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