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This time cramps can't stop LeBron James as he's one step closer to NBA Finals

CLEVELAND – Kevin Love and Anderson Varejao are out for the season with injuries and Kyrie Irving is currently sidelined with an ailment of his own, yet the Cleveland Cavaliers had an even bigger scare on Sunday night as LeBron James fought through knee pain and cramping to get within one victory of the NBA Finals.

After missing his first 10 shots, James earned his first triple-double of the postseason with 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists in 47 minutes during the Cavaliers' 114-111 overtime victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. James said he strongly considered coming out of the game in OT due to cramping. He also appeared to have a knee ailment.

LeBron James had just enough in the tank to finish off the Hawks in Game 3. (Getty Images)
LeBron James had just enough in the tank to finish off the Hawks in Game 3. (Getty Images)

"I gave everything I had tonight," James said.

James was in so much pain that he got on all fours during one point of OT. Cleveland coach David Blatt said it was tough for James to convince him to keep playing. But James did it.

After fighting through what he described as the most pain in his career, the 12th-year NBA veteran is now one win from making his fifth straight NBA Finals and sixth overall. James won two titles in four years with the Miami Heat. During his first Cleveland stint, the San Antonio Spurs swept him in 2007, his first Finals appearance.

"I played through a lot, but it doesn't matter," James said. "I don't want no sympathy. There is no rest for the weary. If I'm putting on the uniform and going on the floor, I got to make things happen for our team. It's that simple.

"I'm not the only guy that's limping, I'm not the only guy that's cramping, I'm not the only guy that's hurting … I got to help our team win no matter where I'm at."

Said Blatt: "He played through the cramping and just wouldn't let us lose … Amazing."

James plans on getting "around the clock treatment" prior to Game 4 here on Tuesday. The Cavaliers are scheduled to practice on Monday, but expect James to spend more time in the training room.

"How am I feeling? I've been better," James said.

Whether Irving will be back on the floor with James on Tuesday remains to be seen after missing the past two playoff games to left knee tendinitis. Irving was questionable for Game 3, but a source said prior to his pregame workout that it was doubtful he would suit up.

Irving fared well when he worked out for about 40 minutes with Cavaliers assistant/player development coach Phil Handy. But the Cavaliers' team doctors still weren't convinced that Irving was ready to return.

"By the doctors' decision, we decided to hold him out," Blatt said.

With a 3-0 series lead, it might be best for Cleveland to play Game 4 without Irving, giving him more rest before a potential Finals appearance. The All-Star is averaging 18.9 points and 3.5 assists per game in 11 playoff contests.

"I really don't know 48 hours from now. That will be again, most likely, a game-time decision," Blatt said. "We're just hoping for him to get well and hoping we can get him back as soon as possible."