Changing minds nine years deep into one of the most scrutinized careers in the history of sport is not the goal LeBron James set for himself this season. He knows better than to even bother.
As absolutely spectacular as he has always been, James will likely never be the player his critics want him to be.
That said, if this was James’ latest attempt at freeing himself from the late-game demons that have haunted his game in recent years, overall it was a masterpiece.
Clearly, the Heat wouldn’t have made it this far without James, the league’s reigning and a three-time MVP, putting together a torrid stretch in these playoffs.
James has been absolute monster this postseason, scoring 30-plus points in eight of the Heat’s last nine games and 10 of their last 12. His 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists in Game 2 served as the perfect example of how effective he can be when he plays to his advantages.
Tracing his current run back to the Heat’s 2-1 series deficit toIndianain the Eastern Conference semifinals, it’s been one unbelievable effort after another. James is averaging a ridiculous 32.9 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 52.1 percent from the floor during that 12-game stretch, easily one of the best of his career.
He’s carried the load for the Heat through Chris Bosh’s injury crisis and Dwyane Wade’s identity crisis. When their season seemed on the brink and they were facing a 3-2 deficit againstBostonin the conference finals, it was James who came up with that “ugly-faced” 45-point, 15-rebound, five-assist storm in Game 6. That performance woke the Heat up as they finished off the Celtics in Game 7.
His will and his determination against the Thunder in Game 2 proved to be the difference. The Heat led by as many as 17 points and had to withstand rally after rally from the Thunder. The Heat’s answer almost each and every time was a James drive to the basket, feeding him in the post or a play made off of one of his assists.
With the Big 3 playing with a renewed energy and realizing that they’re the ones (unlike the Thunder) who have been here before, James served as the catalyst on a night when Wade (24 points, six rebounds and five assists) and Bosh (16 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks) finally played their parts.
The Heat won a game here. the series continues on their terms now, with them controlling the home court and their own destiny.
James has lived his entire career in the spotlight, but it’ll be hotter than it’s ever been between now and the finish. His triumphs will be celebrated like never before, just as his failures will be examined like never before.
We’ll find out in the coming days if James has what it takes to finish the deal this time, and perhaps silence a critic or two along the way.
