The LeBron James factor
It is a well-known fact that LeBron James is considered to be an elite player in the NBA. In the Finals last year, LeBron single-handedly carried his team to 6 games, averaging 35.8 points per game, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. It is important to note that these almost supernatural stats were achieved without two of the ‘Big Three’, with Irving and Love out injured for the finals. Despite such incredible performances, Warriors guard Andre Iguodala was adjudged the Finals MVP, for his commendable work ethic and defense of James.
When making the decision to return to Cleveland after a successful stint in Miami, James declared that he was committed to bringing the people of Cleveland a championship, The last major sporting success the city has seen, was the 1964 NFL Championship, won by the Cleveland Browns. Committed to rectify the 2015 Finals outcome, James approached this year’s playoffs like a man possessed. With a largely comfortable run (except for 2 hard fought games against the Toronto Raptors) to the Finals, LeBron eagerly awaited the rematch with Curry and Klay Thompson, the other half of the ‘Splash Brothers’. After dropping the first two games and falling behind 3-1, the pundits were convinced that James and the Cavaliers were done for good. However, keen to rewrite history and frame an indelible legacy, James exploded in Games 5 and 6, scoring 82 points.
In Game 5, James filled up the stat sheet, scoring 41 points (16-30), along with 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steals. When called upon again in Game 6, James delivered with 41 points (16-27), 11 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. He joined Shaquille O’Neal and Micheal Jordan as one of the 3 players to have consecutive 40-plus point games in the NBA Finals.
He conducted play beautifully in Game 7 as well, finishing with a triple-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He played 47 of the 48 minutes and was a constant source of inspiration. He also came up with a trademark chase-down block on Andre Iguodala, with the game finely poised at the time. Kyrie Irving was at a loss for words to describe James and compared him to ‘Beethoven’, calling his composure and leadership skills an ‘inspiration’.
James has been heavily criticized for his lack of presence in big games, but not even the most caustic of critics can take away the fact that he turned up and delivered the finest 3 games of his career, consecutively in Games 5, 6 and 7 of the Finals this year. The city of Cleveland’s long wait for a championship is now finally over, and they have their Akron-born, Northeastern-Ohio bred hero to thank. James was duly recognised for his efforts, as he was unanimously awarded the Bill Russel Finals MVP Award, making it his third Finals MVP award, 3 shy of the all-time great Michael Jordan.
