What's wrong with King James?
Since making his playoffs debut three years ago, LeBron James has been a near unstoppable force in games. Sometimes single handedly pulling his team out of the brink of mediocrity and lifting them clearly above their potential. In those 3 years, James thrived under the pressure of both last minute heroics, and transcendent performances.
This year, specifically this Boston series, has seen a shift. LeBron looks disinterested, bored even. His shooting is off, but he's not excelled in that area yet. When he drives, he fumbles the ball away, and picks up fouls. He can't finish short layups nor get and-ones. To some extent, the Boston defense is to blame (deserve praise?) for his performances, because just like San Antonio last year they focus themselves solely on James. And why not? There's no one else on that team that scares you offensively (or defensively, even). West has been up and down, Gibson is too small, Wally is in his own world. Z is a slow lumbering fool that can't create his own shot, and Wallace is busy having Vertigo.
But LBJ was so good, effective, and fired up during the Washington series. That's what makes his recent performances such a downer. He's only gone for 20+ once, and his turnovers are mounting. He's shot the worst percentage in the history of the playoffs, and he always seems a step to slow for the plays. Cavs won their recent game at home living with a terrible shooting percentage from James, but it won't last. If LBJ isn't electric like he was against Washington, he'll have plenty of time to rest at home.
I'm wondering if subconsciously, he knows that this team has gone as far as it can go this year, and no amount of heroics will save them from elimination in the second round. The year-long inconsistency has followed this team into the playoffs, with injuries and a wild variety of lineups. In addition, there's nothing to hate about Boston, they're a really good clean team that doesn't mouth off. Whatever the case may be, I'm as bored watching the Cavs this series as James is playing for them.
It's 2-1, but without a win tonight, it's not a series. The Cavs came from a 2-0 deficit in similar fashion against Detroit last year, so we know they can do it, but we'll likely need a Game 5 performance to make it happen.
This year, specifically this Boston series, has seen a shift. LeBron looks disinterested, bored even. His shooting is off, but he's not excelled in that area yet. When he drives, he fumbles the ball away, and picks up fouls. He can't finish short layups nor get and-ones. To some extent, the Boston defense is to blame (deserve praise?) for his performances, because just like San Antonio last year they focus themselves solely on James. And why not? There's no one else on that team that scares you offensively (or defensively, even). West has been up and down, Gibson is too small, Wally is in his own world. Z is a slow lumbering fool that can't create his own shot, and Wallace is busy having Vertigo.
But LBJ was so good, effective, and fired up during the Washington series. That's what makes his recent performances such a downer. He's only gone for 20+ once, and his turnovers are mounting. He's shot the worst percentage in the history of the playoffs, and he always seems a step to slow for the plays. Cavs won their recent game at home living with a terrible shooting percentage from James, but it won't last. If LBJ isn't electric like he was against Washington, he'll have plenty of time to rest at home.
I'm wondering if subconsciously, he knows that this team has gone as far as it can go this year, and no amount of heroics will save them from elimination in the second round. The year-long inconsistency has followed this team into the playoffs, with injuries and a wild variety of lineups. In addition, there's nothing to hate about Boston, they're a really good clean team that doesn't mouth off. Whatever the case may be, I'm as bored watching the Cavs this series as James is playing for them.
It's 2-1, but without a win tonight, it's not a series. The Cavs came from a 2-0 deficit in similar fashion against Detroit last year, so we know they can do it, but we'll likely need a Game 5 performance to make it happen.
1 comments:
Hello, this site is nice!!
I already link to this page.
If you don't mind. Please link to my blog this URL
http://sportmultiple3.blogspot.com/
Post a Comment