LeBron James Diagnosed With a Broken Nose

The Miami Heat didn’t have LeBron James at the end of Thursday night’s game against the Thunder, but thanks to his dominating play in the first three-plus quarters, Miami didn’t really need him.

James left Thursday’s game – Miami rolled the Thunder 103-81 – after sustaining a broken nose from a hard hit by Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka while driving to the hoop.

After the game, James – who scored a game-high 33 points – had rolls of gauze stuffed up both nostrils with white towels covering his face.

The Heat flew back to Miami immediately following Thursday’s win and was diagnosed Friday with a broken nose.

According to Miami Herald, Coach Erik Spoelstra looked upset in the direct aftermath of the play, understandable since James means so much to the Heat on both sides of the court.

Afterward, however, Spoelstra looked like a guy who definitely felt better about things.

The Heat returns to practice Saturday, and James’ status for Sunday’s home game – Miami’s first at home since Feb. 3 – against Chicago will be a game-time decision.

James might have to wear a protective mask (he wore a mask briefly during the 2004-05 season with Cleveland after sustaining a broken left cheekbone).

“He passed the [concussion] tests,” Spoelstra said.

Watch video of Ibaka's hard foul on Lebron below: