LeBron James

[6kiss]

Harden is a prime example of the NBA trying to create superstars. Hes a great player no doubt but him being worshiped by the refs really puts him in superstar status.

 

[theSTEREO.]

Lebron is beyond amazing, and has been his old self in nearly every way since January 15. His scoring, court vision, and leadership are nearing his peak levels...

But his free throws are a legit problem. It's uncharacteristic, and he's gonna be on the line a lot in the playoffs.

I know not everything was gonna get back to normal at once, but after hovering between 75-78ish% over the last five seasons or so, sitting at 71% is not helping things.

 

[Pioneer10]

Too much LeIso. I think we posted up once with Love (who got a good look but could finish it) and 2 JR Smith Iso's to end the 4th and OT. Team really missed Irving today but I thought both Love and Moz got good looks when posting up and I would have scattered in a post up every few plays to throw a wrinkle at them.

The other problem I had with LeIso is he was just waiting way too long too attack. He had lanes going to his left Ariza all night long if he chose to attack early but he would wait for everyone to settle in (unfortunately that also meant that the Rockets settled in as well). Wished he would have pushed the pace up because when he imposed his will early it was a lot easier to get to the basket

 

[Surge]

Harden and Dwight are perfect for each other.

 

[godfather]

Lebron is beyond amazing, and has been his old self in nearly every way since January 15. His scoring, court vision, and leadership are nearing his peak levels...

But his free throws are a legit problem. It's uncharacteristic, and he's gonna be on the line a lot in the playoffs.

I know not everything was gonna get back to normal at once, but after hovering between 75-78ish% over the last five seasons or so, sitting at 71% is not helping things.

Yeah, I've noticed that too. Granted, he's never been a great foul shooter. That's why I at least, especially today have to wonder if that back is still rather stiff on him.

Back affects posture, and his just looks really bad on his shot overall. It's possible, it's been bothering him the entire year, even when he's looked more like himself, but aggravates him more at certain times than others.

His shot overall, even when he's been more explosive like his old self, just looks off to me this year.

LeBron should really be put on a minutes restriction going forward. He's not 25 anymore.

 

[scopedog]

Harden and Dwight are perfect for each other.

Lol, man. I've thought that way before this game ever happened. They are both dirty, bad sports with low IQs and huge egos. And the fact that Harden got away with kicking Lebron fucking James in the god damn nuts seriously pisses me off. Those refs need a talking to.

As for LeBron today, I won't be too tough on the guy. He tried to will the team to victory, his teammates had a real rough stretch where they couldn't make anything and I think LeBron was a bit heated. No doubt it was a little selfish but we need games like this to keep us grounded and humbled so we can focus on getting better instead of just acting like we've already won it all.

 

[Simmy]

I find it challenging to pin any sort of blame on LeBron for LeISO and missed free throws. Especially in a game where your guards are shooting a combined 4-21. Our open shots weren't falling and we shot 30% from 3.

Yes, LeBron making FTs would've sealed the game. But in a matchup where Kyrie would've been incredibly useful, I'm content in knowing that our best player and one of the best players in the league missing A LOT of free throws was the reason we lost against one of the top teams on a day where we're short handed.

 

[Pioneer10]

I seriously hope Harden wins MVP and then we shit all over Houston in the Finals with Lebron dominating: such an aggravating player. Guys have always tried to sell the foul but this guy is at another level.

 

[godfather]

I seriously hope Harden wins MVP and then we shit all over Houston in the Finals with Lebron dominating: such an aggravating player. Guys have always tried to sell the foul but this guy is at another level.

They'll be one and done like usual. They're a team that's not as good as their record. Very overrated, and one of the weaker playoff teams in that conference.

I don't even get how any basketball purist, can really drool over what Harden's doing. They have a team around him that plays EXACTLY the way he wants to play!

High pick-and-roll, with shooters all over the floor that mesh with his style of play. I am not saying Motiejunas is better than Dwight, but he actually fits in with Harden better than Howard. He spreads the floor for him, and can hit the 3.

Harden is a good player, but very overrated. Playoff time, they will be out quick against anyone good.

 

[bob2the2nd]

The silver lining.

I loved his defense on Harden in the 4th/OT.

Showed that he can still turn it up when he wants too. Was worried he lost that ability for a while.

However, I hope some good comes out of this game for LeBron. When LeBron is exerting energy like that guarding Harden that is when you trust your teammates. I'd take an aggressive LeBron loss over a passive LeBron loss anyday. But he needs to realize that some of these Blatt plays actually work.

Stop letting guys like Harden bait you into thinking you have to pull an MJ. Just make the right plays and we can win.

ill be honest about 2 minutes left in the 4th i realized how much better lebron is than harden, and how little i worry about the rockets in the long run. Lebron needs to get away from leIso no doubt. but how long have we been saying that? also the cavs needed Kyrie this afternoon, and/or need to learn how to play without him

more impressively lebron guarded harden every possession of the 4th and overtime. Over that time it looks like harden scored all of 5 points.

also can someone explain to me how an intentional kick to the nuts doesnt warrant an ejection?

 

[redscoon]

I don't know why Lebron insists on exerting so much energy on isos 30 feet out. I will never understand why he doesn't go to the post and use his strength and athleticism more.

The offense will look much better when Kyrie replaces Delly, but it is baffling that we still operate as though Kevin Love is Spencer Hawes. We are going to run into trouble in the playoffs if we can't find ways to get him consistent touches and clean looks on plays other than pick and fades to the 3 point line.

 

[All4One1ForAll]

I don't care if Lebron wins MVP or not. The only thing I want him to win is a Finals MVP after winning us a championship. The Rockets are a first round exit this year and I'm sure no one outside of Houston would be said to see them go out early. Easily the most unlikeable team in the league (just ahead of the Clippers).

 

[godfather]

I don't know why Lebron insists on exerting so much energy on isos 30 feet out. I will never understand why he doesn't go to the post and use his strength and athleticism more.

The offense will look much better when Kyrie replaces Delly, but it is baffling that we still operate as though Kevin Love is Spencer Hawes. We are going to run into trouble in the playoffs if we can't find ways to get him consistent touches and clean looks on plays other than pick and fades to the 3 point line.

Because it wasn't there. He was fading to the hoop, even when he was driving. He did not have his typical power/speed/energy when going to the basket. It didn't help he was struggling badly from the line, wasn't always getting the calls.

When I saw LB going away from contact, you know he's not right. A couple of those plays should have been easy and-1s for him.

Ignore the start of he game, LB was gassed, and when he get's tired, he starts heaving up bad shots.

Going to the basket, and playing in the post requires more energy and physical wear on the body.

I've been watching him too long, to see his bad habits on display when he's physically spent.

That's why I am not upset with him. He looked physically and mentally drained out there.

 

[Surge]

 

[kovanovich]

I didn't understand Lebron shooting the tech FT's. Even when he is hitting FT's at his usual clip, he is 75%. Why is Love not shooting those shots? Not only is he the better FT shooter, but it allows Love to see the ball go in basket and get more confidence.

I have never seen a poorer foul shooter routinely shoot technicals. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe he has taken them even when Kyrie has been on the court. This is pretty clearly an area where LeBron is acting as the coach.