Playoffs are a different game
James knows expectations change for stars in postseason
NBA. LeBron James has known what it means to be a superstar far longer than he’s had a drivers license. But he is realizing those expectations carry a new weight in the playoffs, especially after he strapped the Cavaliers on his back and carried them to the Finals last year.
When James struggles with his shooting percentage in Cleveland losses — the way he did in Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Celtics — he’s downgraded to the status of Prince Jimbo. When he struggles with his shooting percentage in Cleveland victories, however, King James is a playmaker unlike one the league has seen in years.
“There’s pressure on us because I’m the leader of this team,” James said. “And when things go wrong, I hear it all.”
It’s a superstar’s rite of passage. When Kobe Bryant scores 50 points in a Lakers loss, he’s selfish. When he drops 50 in a win, though, he’s the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
When Kevin Garnett couldn’t single-handedly lead a poor supporting cast in Minnesota through a difficult Western Conference, he was a choker. But now that he’s revived a debilitated Celtics franchise, Garnett regained the savior image he entered the league with a decade ago.
While he continued to struggle by his regular-season standards in Cleveland’s two wins — 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 33.3 percent from the floor — his assists were up and turnovers were down. Because the Cavs evened the series heading into Game 5 last night, James turned into the ultimate playmaker, someone who could win despite losing his shooting touch.
The numbers weren’t drastically different in the series’ first four games, but the Cavs were winning. Apparently, that also comes with a superstar’s territory.
“I’ve adjusted every game and continue to improve,” James said before last night’s game. “The shot hasn’t been the greatest, but every aspect of the game has been good for me as an individual. It’s helped our team win two ballgames.”