Already the rumors have started: LeBron James has played his last game in Cleveland as a member of the Cavaliers. And what a last game it was – for all the wrong reasons.
In LeBron’s second-worst playoff game ever, in terms of shooting, he ended up with 15 measly points, missing 11 of 14 attempts, as the Cavs suffered their largest home playoff defeat, 120-88, to the Boston Celtics to fall down three games to two.
Every player can have a bad game, but it sure seemed like James didn’t even care and wasn’t playing with much urgency. James wasn’t trying to get to the basket as he tried 11 jumpers and made only one of them (missing all four three-pointers). Every miss was short — most of them well short — and a couple drifted off to the right. His first made field goal game at about the halfway mark of the third quarter, which is unbelievable.
Was he tired? Was his elbow bothering him?
Now Thursday’s Game 6 in Boston becomes the most important game in Cavs franchise history because a loss ends their season short of the Finals for the second year in a row despite the NBA’s best record both times. And then the James to New York or James to Chicago rumors really will begin. Boston is a 1-point favorite on WagerWeb.com.
Even LeBron’s post-game comments seemed curious.
“I spoil a lot of people with my play,” James said. “When you have a bad game here or there, you’ve had three bad games in a seven-year career, then it’s easy to point that out. So you got to be better. … I put a lot of pressure on myself to be out there and be the best player on the court, and when I’m not I feel bad for myself because I’m not going out there and doing the things I can do. But I don’t hang my head low or make any excuses about anything that may be going on, because that’s not the type of player or person I am.”
The Cavaliers, who were 61-21 (.744) in the regular season, became the first NBA team with a regular-season winning percentage of .700 or better to lose a home playoff game by at least 30 points. Now James is dealing with the most criticism he has ever faced in his young, stellar career. How he responds in Game 6 could play a big role in his legacy.
By the way, the NYC Scores strip club in New York is offering James, a bachelor, a lifetime pass for free personal dances and a dedicated “LeBron James Day” where each girl will wear his jersey when stepping onto stage.
Bet on the NBA at WagerWeb.com
Bet on Sports at Bodog Sportsbook and cash in on your share of huge bonuses!
Popularity: 1% [?]
Related posts:
- LeBron and Heat to return to Cleveland Dec. 2
- Browns coach tells LeBron James to suit up
- LeBron James is coming to the Big Apple! Signs with NY Knicks
- LeBron to ditch No. 23 in honor of Jordan
- Breathe easy Cavs fans: LeBron says his elbow is no worry
