On Saturday night, the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-90 to advance to the NBA Finals. With this defeat, the Cavs have lost their best opportunity to date to win an NBA championship. Also, let’s not forget the millions of dollars that Vitamin Water wasted on those “Kobe vs. Lebron” commercials!
One on Five Basketball
In all seriousness, Lebron James played an incredible series, averaging a 38.5-8.3-8 against the Magic. James also made some incredible “Oh my God, did you see that!”, plays like his game winning three pointer in Game Two with one second left in regulation. James played an all around game, getting his teammates involved any chance he could. If that didn’t work he would play 5-on-1 and single handedly willed the Cavs to victory, such as at the end of Game Five. But it still wasn’t enough, thanks mostly in part to his weak supporting cast letting him down in the playoffs yet again. (I’m looking at you Mo Williams! Don’t guarantee victory and forget your A game at the door.)
What has really been burning up the talk show hot lines is James’ behavior after Game Six. James stormed off the court without shaking anyone’s hand. He then went into the locker room, changed quickly, and bolted the arena without giving any post game interviews. Essentially, James left his coaches and teammates to pick up the pieces and face the horde of media members by themselves. James needs to understand that he is not only the face of the Cavaliers franchise but the NBA as well. He has a responsibility as the NBA MVP to answer questions and analyze the game for NBA fans all around the world.
The King’s Burden
James held an interview today with members of the media and addressed these issues. He said that he is a competitor and as such he doesn’t see the point of congratulating a team that just beat him. This shows immaturity on his part because it is a tradition in any sport to shake hands and to acknowledge the performance of the other team.
No individual should act as if they are above the essence of sportsmanship. I understand that James was disappointed and wanted to leave the arena as quick as possible. That happens when it seems like the entire world, including myself, has crowned someone a champion before they have achieved that honor. The only thing left for James now is a long off season filled with questions. Anderson Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are both free agents and Ben Wallace has stated he is considering retirement. James can only hope that Cleveland can improve their team and get ready for another run at the NBA championship. But until then, The King is dethroned and his crown will await the head of either the Lakers or the Magic.
Thank you to Keith Allison for another great photo of Lebron James.
“James left his coaches and teammates to pick up the pieces and face the horde of media members by themselves.”
Completely agree with you that James leaving the arena shows vast immaturity. I can understand why he didn’t want to shake hands with the other team and didn’t want to talk to the media, but what he has to understand is that no one on the Cavs team wanted to talk to the media after their loss.
He ditched his teammates and placed himself on a pedestal above them by subjecting the rest of his team to the media while he got to go pout in private.
Lebron, you get paid millions upon millions of dollars not just to play basketball, but to be a representative of the NBA to kids, fans and the media. Suck it up next time and face the music.
I agree with Eddie and Adam that Lebron should have sucked it up, shook hands and gave his post game interview. Like you said Eddie, it’s NBA tradition to shake hands with the opposing team after a playoff game. This isn’t the MLB where you high five and give pats on the bum to your own team after a win. Even in baseball after a loss when they don’t congratulate the other team they stick around and talk to the media.
Lebron has some growing up to do if he plans on being the face of the NBA like Mike was.