LOS ANGELES - LeBron James became the oldest player in league history to average a triple-double in a calendar month, scoring 31 points on Tuesday in the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-123 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
It is the first time in his brilliant 15-year NBA career that the 33-year-old James has averaged a triple-double for a month, a milestone that he doesn't take for granted.
"It is a long list of so many great players that have come through this league and for you to be the only one in a category it is pretty cool," James said. "I take pride in being a triple threat ever since I started playing basketball.
"I never wanted to be labelled as (just) a scorer. I always wanted to be labelled as a basketball player. I get more gratification from assists more than anything. To give my guys great looks is awesome."
The previous oldest player to average a triple double in a calendar month, containing at least 10 games, was Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain in March 1968 at 31 years old.
James had 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his 12th triple-double of the season and 67th of his career. He also reached 8,000 assists and became the first player in league history to reach that milestone, along with 30,000 points and 8,000 rebounds.
James and George Hill nailed two free throws each in the final 16 seconds to clinch the victory. The free throws came just after Rodney Hood's three-point play with 40 seconds left gave Cleveland a 123-121 lead.
In a historic game, LeBron James recorded 31 PTS, 12 REB, 11 AST, reaching 8,000 career assists, to guide the @cavs to victory! #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/VI0ZnmAILE