"Don’t ever disrespect 23/6 again" - LeBron James' fans clap back at Cavaliers supporters as Cleveland edges close to elimination

Los Angeles Lakers v Cleveland Cavaliers - Source: Getty — LeBron James' fans clap back at Cavaliers supporters as Cleveland edges close to elimination - Source: Getty

Only one of LeBron James’ former teams is still alive in the 2025 NBA playoffs. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a 3-1 hole and sit on the edge of elimination after Sunday’s 129-109 Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers. The Miami Heat and the LA Lakers were knocked out in the first round.

With Cleveland now on the ropes after surrendering 80 points in the first half and trailing by as much as 44 in Game 4, fans loyal to James wasted no time pulling up old comments from Cavaliers supporters who criticized him for leaving.

Cavs fans had reveled in their team’s success this season without James, who brought them their lone NBA title back in 2016.

Others pointed out that nearly all of Cleveland’s meaningful playoff achievements happened during James’ time there.

Cavaliers fall behind 3-1 to Pacers in East semis

Cleveland knows all too well the meaning of a 3-1 deficit, but this time, it is facing it without LeBron James. The Cavs could also be without Donovan Mitchell, who sat out the second half of Sunday’s 20-point defeat with a left ankle injury.

The Pacers dominated Game 4, building a 44-point lead at one point, even with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter all suiting up.

Garland led the Cavs with 21 points, Mobley added 10 and Hunter chipped in five, but Cleveland was held to just 30 field goals and turned the ball over 22 times, resulting in 35 points for Indiana.

Game 5 tips off Tuesday in Indianapolis. If the Cavs lose, their playoff run is over.

About the author

John Ezekiel Hirro is an experienced NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda, with over five years in the field as a news correspondent, sports writer, and Editor-in-Chief. His sports writing career began in high school, where he garnered numerous accolades, including being named the national sports writing champion in 2016.

He earned his journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines in 2024 and served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Varsitarian, the university's official student publication, for four years—the longest in history.

A passionate basketball enthusiast, he became a fan of the OKC Thunder during the Russ-KD-Harden era. Russell Westbrook, his all-time favorite athlete, impressed him by stepping up as MVP after Kevin Durant's departure. His current favorite players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, who he believes are the future of the OKC franchise.

He excels in game analysis and rapid news story turnaround, drawing inspiration from the journalistic styles of Woj and Shams. He emphasizes thorough research to ensure accuracy in his articles. One of his most memorable moments is Russell Westbrook breaking Oscar Robertson's record with his 42nd triple-double and securing a 106-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Outside of writing, he enjoys listening to music and creating Spotify playlists.

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