A New Quest for King James

Last night’s third quarter takeover by LeBron James got Al Dannity thinking of another big playoff display by the King. In 2007 LeBron took over Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pistons. The Cavs would go on to get swept by the Spurs. Payback is coming.

Game 5 of the Eastern Finals, Bosh is struggling, D-Wade’s barely scoring in double-digits, and it just doesn’t matter. The King is here to save the day. A 30-8-6 line is par for the course for LeBron James these days and he took over for the Heat as they moved into a 3-2 lead over the Pacers. One win away from the Finals.

The Cavaliers of 2007 needed LeBron to come big at the same stage. He responded by scoring 29 of their last 30 points to beat the Pistons and eventually move on to the NBA Finals. In LeBron’s first appearance at the last stage of the post-season, his Cavs were swept aside in a 4-0 sweep. Their opponents? The San Antonio Spurs. We all know who’s waiting for Miami once the East is done and dusted.

Here’s the difference. On that night in Detroit LeBron had to be superhuman. The King made shots that were risky to take. He drove through four defenders for the final lay-up in double-overtime. That LeBron was younger, rawer, and still developing the finer parts of his game. The 2013 edition may not explode with the same ferocity but he remains fearless. The difference is wisdom.

When the King out-scored the Pacers in the third quarter last night he didn’t look like he had to force the matter. This was a more cerebral assault. The greatest player in the world today is also its smartest operator. Through these playoffs, LeBron has made clever use of Chris Andersen and Udonis Haslem. Bit part players who the King turns into weapons. When, not if, the Heat play the Spurs it won’t go the same way as the 2007 Finals.

No this time LeBron knows he can control everything without doing everything. Taking over a game isn’t just about charging into battle and taking on all comers. King James can slay any opponent straight up but it’s his ability to pick teams apart with the bodies around him that make LeBron a greater threat today. Every time LeBron drops a dime, opponents have to recognise his threat as a creator. Every time they ease coverage on him even slightly, the punishment is vicious. Talent made LeBron the greatest player in the game. Wisdom made him the dominant force in the NBA.