Miami’s lead was 97-94 with 50 seconds left when James drove and was met at the rim by McRoberts, whose right elbow struck the four-time NBA MVP around his chin. James immediately began grabbing at his throat and needed much longer than he usually does to get up after a hard foul, which was not called flagrant.

McRoberts escaped with a common foul on the play, but it’s possible that the league office will deem it to be a flagrant foul upon a review.