Nothing Defined Except LeBron’s Greatness

When LeBron James blocked Tiago Splitter last night it looked like a series defining moment but didn’t we already have one of those a game earlier? Al Dannity says forget the narrative for now, it will be defined by what happens next.

He was, in his own words, the last line of defence. When Tiago Splitter drove for a sure-thing dunk, there was only one word in LeBron James’ head “No.” The leap and adjustment was Duncan-esque, well it would be only I can’t remember the greatest defender of all-time ever delivering a block like that. Splitter may not be a star but he’s got an incredible court IQ. When the Brazilian leapt for the dunk, albeit with the shot-clock nearly up, he knew the move was by far the most sensible available. Splitter did the right thing and yet he could do nothing to stop LeBron. King James got up and palmed the ball out of Splitter’s hands. It was the ease of movement, not a full-on swat, that made this play stand out. When it was done, James stood tall. No flashy celebration, just a cold stare. If Miami wins the series, this will be the moment everyone talks and writes about.

Of course we were saying the same thing just a few days ago about something completely different. Tony Parker’s miracle lay-up may not have been given the Jim Ross treatment but at the time it took everyone’s breath away. Playing like Mr Clutch, Parker literally picked himself up off the court to make the game-winning shot. If the Spurs win, this will be seen as a defining moment.

All of which points to this hurried search for narrative when describing a Finals series or indeed any rivalry. What really matters is how all the little things come together. We search for a symbolic moment to sum them all up, like LeBron’s block last night, but the NBA MVP played up to his title all night. This was just one moment. That’s the difference between the LeBron James whose Cleveland team got swept by San Antonio and the force facing the Spurs right now. When he wants, LeBron can take over a game. The more mature LeBron has shown repeatedly over the past two seasons that he knows it’s not always the best course to take. The LeBron in Cleveland was really a prince looking to prove his worth on the battlefield. Experience has taught him when to defer. That’s the real King James. Game 3 will teach us more.