Series Thread: NBA Finals. Cleveland vs. Golden State...

[calsnowskier]

Agree with most of this, but it's something that you really can't say.

Of course he's being criticized and rightfully so, imo. He's the team leader and he looked like he was having a mini meltdown. Pair that with how they played in OT and it's a bad look.

He can say whatever the hell he wants/needs to in the locker room after the game. But in that moment he needed to be the guy bringing everyone together and telling them to "Shake it off, it's still a winnable game. We have 5 more minutes to play."

He is just one of twelve. Why does he have to pick everyone up?

Sheesh

 

[gordontrue]

He is just one of twelve. Why does he have to pick everyone up?

Sheesh

I mean, yeah, I agree.

But his belief in that moment, or lack of belief, is way more impactful on the team than anyone else's.

So maybe its not a fair expectation, but its fair to consider that his body language in that moment (either way) might have affected his team.

 

[WiggyRuss]

I mean, yeah, I agree.

But his belief in that moment, or lack of belief, is way more impactful on the team than anyone else's.

So maybe its not a fair expectation, but its fair to consider that his body language in that moment (either way) might have affected his team.

honestly when i think back on how the Cavs got EFFED in the A in that game- both by themselves and the refs...I am trying to think back of where it lands on the heart break meter for me personally for Cleveland sports--- as i was too young for things like the Drive and the Fumble.

And there is a difference between heart breaking losses- and the feeling of getting screwed or choking.

The 2016 World Series- extra innings- that was as ROUGH as they come- but it wasnt a choke job.

The 1997 World Series- extra innings game 7- Jose Mesa THAT was a choke job.

The 2007 Indians losing to Boston in the ALCS when up 3-1 when they have CC and Carmona- 2 of the top 3 in the Cy Young voting going in those last 3 games-- THAT was a choke job of epic proportions- Kenny Lofton not going home........This was the biggest missed opportunity that i can think of.

Dennis Northcut dropping the ball against the Steelers in the Browns lone playoff game since coming back and blowing what would ahve almost been assuredly a win- is right up there. What a terrible move.

That Game 1 against the Warriors is right up there. While the 2016 World Series is more painful in some ways--- the Indians were an over-acheiving club that no one expected to even get to the World Series. They just lost to a better team.

In Game 1 they obviously are not as good a team of the Warriors- but all of the missed calls and missed opporotunities just turn your stomach.

Its right up there with me with 2007 ALCS- it might even be worse to be honest with you- becuase a Cavs win game 1 turns the whole complexion of the series on its head.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Pretty much. The reporter told LeBron that people have been criticizing him for not picking up his teammates. (I think the reporter was referring to the video of the bench before Game 1 OT ??). In context, "picking up" meant motivating and inspiring them not "putting them on your back".

LeBron answered by sarcastically saying that he can't believe he would ever be criticized for something. "Me? Criticized? No!". Said he'll get criticized no matter what, and followed that up by saying "I mean, we're here in the NBA Finals, how much more picking up teammates do you want me to do".

Poor wording purposely used by the reporter as bait and repeated by LeBron in his answer. He should know better by now though.

Totally agree. He didn't handle the moment well and I think he knows it. Who knows, OT could've gone a lot differently if he doesn't act defeated.

The answer he gave the reporter was a bit dismissive/defensive, but it also wasn't what the headline makes it sound like.

It was disappointing how it was handled but that play will be remembered for a while. Hill missed the free throw, Smith missed the score, LeBron was unsure of how many timeouts the Cavs had. Everything went wrong on that play lol. Smith is a grown man too, LeBron shouldn't need to be a shoulder to cry on in order to be a proper leader.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

BTW Sasha "the Machine" Vujacic should come out of retirement to be the Cavs' free throw specialist.

 

[Raw_Bee808]

 

[LAD]

That question went right over his head & that was a TERRIBLE response from a leader.

 

[LAD]

Well we all already knew basketball isn't his top priority. But, when he steps on that court for those 2 1/2 hours it certainly should be during that time.

 

[LAD]

It's probably a real quote but probably taken out of context in order to generate clicks. If you were to look at a transcript I'm sure you wouldn't find anything as egregious as that headline.

Wrong. He actually said that & there was even sarcasm prior to that statement.

 

[LAD]

#livinginthepast

Now this is funny considering he can't EVER leave the bench while in street clothes.

 

[LAD]

He's not going to do shit.

Not true, he will be the head cheerleader

 

[LAD]

Im not saying Cavs can’t win, but I expect Warriors to go for jugular.
They’re too smart to think they can relax and give the Cavs confidence.

Also, in game 2 they figured out how to keep LBJ from exploding on offense. If they continue to apply that defensive strat - and with the addition of Iggy back - they can close this out in 4 like I originally predicted.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Wrong. He actually said that & there was even sarcasm prior to that statement.

I said it was a real quote...

 

[LAD]

Yeah, a 3-1 lead is impossible to overcome in the Finals.

Well yea, kinda when the best player in the world is on the other team

 

[Wamu]

Kendrick Perkins on Steph Curry altercation: " I don't think I'm the problem they want"

 

[LAD]

Agree with most of this, but it's something that you really can't say.

Of course he's being criticized and rightfully so, imo. He's the team leader and he looked like he was having a mini meltdown. Pair that with how they played in OT and it's a bad look.

He can say whatever the hell he wants/needs to in the locker room after the game. But in that moment he needed to be the guy bringing everyone together and telling them to "Shake it off, it's still a winnable game. We have 5 more minutes to play."

And that's the part that LBJ missed when that question was asked.

 

[Raw_Bee808]

Not true, he will be the head cheerleader

LOL

 

[LAD]

I mean, yeah, I agree.

But his belief in that moment, or lack of belief, is way more impactful on the team than anyone else's.

So maybe its not a fair expectation, but its fair to consider that his body language in that moment (either way) might have affected his team.

I disagree only with it not being a fair expectation. He calls himself their "leader". He also calls himself "king". Kings are leaders & therefore should be setting good examples. In that moment, especially, he has to make sure he can reach his guys & lift them up. None of his team mates can play like he does, but if he can make them buy into them having enough to help them win he has to do that. Of course that's a fair expectation.

 

[msgkings322]

Yeah, a 3-1 lead is impossible to overcome in the Finals.

It is without a strategically placed nutsack

 

[Mecca]

no, the MVP chants will be for J.R...... oh wait.... nevermind.

That had to be one of the best troll chants in sports....lol