Time to shine
LeBron James once again flashed his dominant self in Game Four of the National Basketball Association East Finals the other day, putting up 34, five, and six to help the Cavaliers secure victory and move closer to their expected championship-series date with the Warriors. It took him a while to get going, though; bent on moving on from his uncharacteristic clunker in the previous match, he wound up trying too hard, collecting four fouls that compelled him to sit out the last six minutes and 46 seconds of the first half. And had others in wine and gold, particularly Kyrie Irving, not been able to hold the fort in his absence, he would surely have been under close scrutiny in the aftermath.
Significantly, James blamed “rhythm” — or, to be more precise, lack thereof — for his overeager start. To his credit, though, he stayed aggressive in the second half, with his persistence leading to a contest-clinching 15 points in the fourth quarter. Still, the ensuing headlines featured Irving, and he was only too glad to cede the spotlight for all the right reasons; the alternative would have been for him to face criticism for allowing the already-handicapped Celtics to embarrass the Cavaliers.
That said, James understands his position as the league’s most polarizing player by far. Having amassed sterling numbers since he was selected first overall in 2003, he is projected to exhibit perfection — or at least close to it — every time he ties his shoes. With any semblance of an off-day comes the usual put-downs. And when he does get to meet expectations, his output is chalked up to routine and, therefore, not quite worthy of praise.
Today, the imperative for James is clear: He needs to hit the ground running and, in the process, leave the Celtics by the wayside. With a remarkable seventh straight Finals appearance in sight, the last thing he needs is a tentative showing that will offer naysayers the opportunity to emerge from the woodwork and disparage his body of work anew. Will it be a challenge? Sure, and perhaps even more than if the injured Isaiah Thomas had been around. Nonetheless, he owes the Cavaliers, and especially himself, his best. The Warriors are waiting.
It’s time for him to shine.
Today, the imperative for James is clear: He needs to hit the ground running and, in the process, leave the Celtics by the wayside. With a remarkable seventh straight Finals appearance in sight, the last thing he needs is a tentative showing that will offer naysayers the opportunity to emerge from the woodwork and disparage his body of work anew. Will it be a challenge? Sure, and perhaps even more than if the injured Isaiah Thomas had been around. Nonetheless, he owes the Cavaliers, and especially himself, his best. The Warriors are waiting. It’s time for him to shine.