Future Hall of Famer had played 1,082 NBA games before getting the boot, after arguing a no-call with a referee in a game against his former team.
For the first time in 1,082 career NBA games, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James was ejected.
James was tossed from Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat with 1:59 left in the third quarter.
James had just missed a shot as he drove to the basket and believed he was fouled. He complained and continued to yell at referee Kane Fitzgerald, who gave him a technical foul and then ejected him.
The Cavs were ahead 93-70 when James’ work night ended prematurely. He had 21 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
James often lets referees know if he doesn’t agree with a call or non-call and gets called for the occasional technical foul.
He had 56 career techs before the Heat game. But after receiving the first tech of a game, he has avoided collecting another in the same game. Until Tuesday.
James is performing at an MVP-level once again this season. He entered the game averaging 28.6 points, 8.5 assists, 6.9 rebounds and is shooting 57.7% from the field and 42.3% on three-pointers.
The Cavs beat the Heat 108-97 for their ninth consecutive victory and moved into a second-place tie with the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference.
“Yep, he should’ve got thrown out,” Cavs coach Ty Lue told reporters after the game. But then he said he didn’t know what James said to Fitzgerald.
There is a $1,000 fine for each technical foul up to five, and the fine for a player’s first ejection.
The Cavaliers put their winning streak on the line Thursday at the Atlanta Hawks.
Follow Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt
PHOTOS: LEBRON JAMES THROUGH THE YEARS
