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**Pioneer10** · 02-28-2005, 07:54 PM

Any word out there on Lebron. He simply has not played as well since the ankle injury. Is he still hurt or (like some reports out there) the flu still affecting him? His play definitely has not been at the MVP level he was playing at previously.

Or is it that defenses have made adjustments. The Cavs are in particular vulnerable to the zone as that really limits the passes Lebron can make out doubles.

Or are the minutes finally catching up to him. It's ridiculous the amount of minutes Silas has him in the game.

**remy23** · 02-28-2005, 08:30 PM

LeBron isn't the same athletically. He is still tender on his ankle and tonight, there was one moment when his leg seemed to go lame as he ran down the court (I thought he was going to fall on his face and get hurt on that play). He has too much pride to sit out but he's a shell of his former self. The Cleveland announcers said James told them he was still hurting a game or two ago.

Plus James is being pushed too hard. Tonight, he played about 30 minutes straight without a break. His energy is zapped and at the end, it really takes great efforts for him to fight off fatigue.

futuristxen · 02-28-2005, 08:33 PM

He needs some time off. It's too bad he had to do so much over the all-star break.

He definitely doesn't have the energy that he had before the ankle injury. Let alone the explosiveness.

He's just going to have to gut it out though. Tap that fire deep inside and get the Cavs into the playoffs with homecourt.

As tired as he is, I don't think he will let the Cavs lose 4 straight.

**Benedict_Boozer** · 02-28-2005, 08:43 PM

I think it's a little bit of both. He was scoring so many points in the paint it was inevitable we'd start seeing alot of zone. That's only working cause we don't have any shooters to space the floor or make teams pay for closing out his penetration. If we had any type of outside shooting, I don't think we'd be having this discussion. Our team is dependant upon someone being able to hit those outside shots because our two best players draw so much attention. The NJ game is a perfect example, we were getting lit up and then once Jeff starts hitting those open 3's, bam we're right back in the game.

James floor game has still been excellent, 8 boards 7 assists 2 TO tonight, he does it so often I think we take it for granted. If we had any bench support we could reduce his minutes to help the wear and tear. These 45 minute type games have got to be taking a toll.

**Benedict_Boozer** · 03-02-2005, 07:50 PM

Well Lebron turned it around tonight against the Sonics, actually one of the best shooting games i've ever seen him have (he hit what 5 3's?)

So it seems it was a temporary slump.

**EHL** · 03-02-2005, 08:24 PM

Defenses are doing a bit of adjusting, they're playing the pass more now that it's obvious LeBron is just unselfish by instinct. That said, it's mostly just LeBron himself, either the ful or the ankle or both. I doubt if it's mpg, or at least, it shouldn't be.

**Pioneer10** · 03-02-2005, 08:28 PM

I think Lebron will be fine as his ankle and flu get better. The one thing that might hurt his stats is the zone. Teams will give up that open look off Lebron passes. Until the Cavs start hitting those outside looks the lanes will be clogged inside

John · 03-02-2005, 09:43 PM

I watched the game against the Spurs. James in clutch doing what he is supposed to do, drawing fouls and beating guys off the dribble.

It's amazing to me that he has the mentality in clutch situations. But unfotunately, his physical limitations stop him being the championship first go to guy.

He to me is what Penny Hardaway was interms of mindset, and the feel for the game. But he just doesnt have Hardaway flashy passes and ability to score anytime he want without teammates giving him space.

He does still need a lot of room to beat Bruce Bowen off the dribble. But Bruce wasnt the same what he once was defensively. Like Carter scored 43+ with 9 minutes left showed. So dont get over excited with his explosiveness there.

futuristxen · 03-02-2005, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

I watched the game against the Spurs. James in clutch doing what he is supposed to do, drawing fouls and beating guys off the dribble.

It's amazing to me that he has the mentality in clutch situations. But unfotunately, his physical limitations stop him being the championship first go to guy.

He to me is what Penny Hardaway was interms of mindset, and the feel for the game. But he just doesnt have Hardaway flashy passes and ability to score anytime he want without teammates giving him space.

He does still need a lot of room to beat Bruce Bowen off the dribble. But Bruce wasnt the same what he once was defensively. Like Carter scored 43+ with 9 minutes left showed. So dont get over excited with his explosiveness there.

Do you think he'll adapt his game to take advantage of his power advantage instead of his speed advantage? I mean, you don't have to be explosive if you are just going to back your undersized opponent into the basket.

**BEEZ** · 03-03-2005, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futuristxen

Do you think he'll adapt his game to take advantage of his power advantage instead of his speed advantage? I mean, you don't have to be explosive if you are just going to back your undersized opponent into the basket.

John has no response to such a good post

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