Well, Lebron and the Heat managed to get past the Boston Celtics, coming off an almost video-game-like-performance from James who was red hot, scoring 45 points and grabbing 15 boards.
Now, no one is saying that that’s not impressive. Because statistically speaking, that is an incredible game. But what did that really prove?
Lebron and the Heat were down 3-2 in the series and facing elimination. So, some may say, down 3-2 you might be playing in desperation mode. And playing with nothing to lose.
Before you get upset let me say I am a Lebron James fan. I think he is one of the elite players in the NBA, and easily a top-three player in the league.
The Heat went on to take game seven thanks to a stellar fourth quarter from the big three of Miami. But is that what it takes for James to perform like the player he is so touted to be?
Does Miami have to be three games down for James to decide to kick it into “Legend Mode?”
By the time you read this game one of the NBA finals will be in the books. Can James close out the deal and finish this year against a young and very talented Oklahoma City team?
James maybe the reigning three-time MVP but he does have the difficult task of guarding the three-time scoring title winner Kevin Durant, and he is only 23. And for that matter, the average age for the Thunder is only 23. So it would be safe to say youth is on the side of the Thunder. Just like youth was on the side of the Heat when they faced the Celtics.
The average age for Heat starters is 28. Now you look and you think that 28 isn’t that old. Well, it’s not really. But to a professional athlete who has been playing for almost 10 years already that kind of mileage adds up.
I would be crazy to think there will be a sweep of the series. But I don’t think that there will be any game seven. Will the Heat be able to outlast the Thunder?
Are there enough players to match-up with each team’s play-makers? Here is how I see some of the action playing out. At the point guard position, the Thunder will dominate. Miami has no solid or dependable point guard. At the shooting guard position, it will be Wade. Harden is a very good player, but Wade is in the elite, and his abilities to drive to the basket will over take Harden’s outside shooting. At small forward, it is anyone’s game. Neither James or Durant will be stopped. Each of them will score and there is nothing either team can do about it. Now aside from the SF match-up, this next match-up will probably be my favorite. The power forward. I have to call this one a stalemate. Ibaka is more of a defensive player and Bosh is more of a scorer. Both styles are different and it looks to be a good match-up. But, if I had to choose a winner I would give a slight edge to Ibaka. The Thunder don’t look to him to score so many points per game. They look to him to shut people down. I think he has success in limiting Bosh in his chances to score. And at the center spot does any one really care? Each team doesn't really have an established “Big Man.” Each team’s center is sub-par at best.
So this could possibly be James’ dream coming into fruition. Winning an NBA title. Winning a championship is any players ultimate goal. No one ever grows up to wish for a scoring title. But even if James wins the series and is crowned a champion, will it be enough?
Maybe if there had not been a parade and a huge ordeal filled with cameras and confetti in which James stated, “not one, not two, not three”... and all the way up to seven.
And all without ever playing a minute with his new teammates. Don’t you think maybe those are some big shoes to fill?
Not many times can a player say or do something that bold, which is the equivalent of Babe Ruth calling his shot, or Joe Namath guaranteeing a Super Bowl victory. And all that is just one in itself. Even Broadway Joe never claimed to win seven championships.
I would never say James is not good enough to win because he is. But when you make a statement like that, you kind of have an obligation to back it up. He will always be scrutinized for his actions. And if he never wins any title or even wins a few, he has still fallen from his own expectations and has no one to blame but himself.
I believe James could be one of the greatest of all time. He doesn’t ever have to win a title for anyone to see that he is a once in a lifetime talent. But a title would help. His entire career could be overlooked because he said he could win multiple rings and not make good on his word.
I hope James can get started early because it won’t get easier with age. He will slow down, his strength will decline and he will lose playing time just like any other athlete to play any game. Father Time is inevitable. And if you want to be mentioned in the likes of the greatest, like Michael Jordan, then you better get started.
Lebron is a winner and I think he will eventually win at least one ring. He is too good to not win a ring. But will one ever be enough? Will six ever be enough? It is all on James’ own standard. It will be up to you as to whether you hold him to it or not.