LeBron James was putting on a
monster performance in the 2012 NBA All-star game; he had 36 points and shot 6
for 8 behind the three point line. With
5 seconds left to go in the game his east team was down by 3 points, the ball
was in LeBron’s hands at the top of the key after his team recovered their own
offensive rebound. This is where closers
step up and close games, unfortunately for LeBron he’s not a closer. Instead of taking the closing shot, LeBron
tried to sling the ball across court to Dwayne Wade and Blake Griffin had the
easy steal to close the game.
Why is arguably the NBA’s best
player and most physically gifted athlete one of the biggest liabilities on the
floor in the closing moments of ball games?
Even in a meaningless all-star game he doesn’t seem to have the mentality
to even try to close a basketball game, as if he shrinks in the moment. No chance MJ, Kobe, or anybody else who is
considered a “king of the game”, shies away like that in that moment. They attack it! They want it!
LeBron just looks for Dwayne. I
understand Dwayne Wade is a better closer and the plays in the final minutes of
heat game all plays should be designed to go to him. However, if the ball is in your hands, you
cannot be afraid to be the one who takes the final shot Lebron. If so YOU WILL go down as Scottie Pippen (No
disrespect Scottie) to Dwayne’s MJ, if not worst.
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