^ Update: James went from 13.7 FTA per game in the Playoffs, to now averaging 14.1 FTA per game after Game 4 of the ECF; which I think will be another NBA Playoff record for FTA per game. His total FTA this post-season is now at 169. Interesting, but not surprising. Shaq's free throw volumes mostly came from "Hack-A-Shaq" - teams purposely sending Shaq to the FT line. Wonder how much more LeBron would have if teams played "Hack-A-LeBron"? He'd likely already have that record broken a week ago.
Not surprising really. Biggest example of shitty play-calling was in the cavs and magic's game 4. In the final seconds of regulation, LeBron tripped on his own feet and Pietrus got called with the foul.
of course....Lebron doesnt have a whistle in his mouth But its hard...I liked Wade before his championship year. I couldnt stand how many calls he got. Even though it wasnt his fault I lost my fanhood of him
or maybe not. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-40-138/Eight-Thoughts-About-Magic-vs--Cavaliers-Game-4.html
Well that was a shock. lol I should've seen that replay, but meh, good thing the refs got it right. they still lost though.
LeBron earns most of those calls and trips to the free throw line. He does get some favorable calls, but he's aggressive at attacking the rim and it's impossible to defend him when he gets a chance to come plowing down the lane. With his size and speed the only play you can make is fouling him. Cleveland will likely lose this series, but I have a lot more respect for LeBron with the way he's competed in this series.
It's what happens when you're so ridiculously gifted that you can drive into the teeth of the defense, at 6'8 and 250 lbs, virtually at will. No player in the league has ever been as relentless at getting to the basket in the 4th quarter as LeBron has been in this series.
LeBron was unreal last night attacking from the top of the key and SVG didn't make any adjustments to stop the play. LeBron could shoot right over Pietrus, and also had enough room to get a running start if he wanted to attack Howard. Playing from the center of the court also gave him a myriad of passing angles and options to throw out of double teams. From the post conference it sounds like Mike Brown has been using this set a lot, but probably wanted to save it for the Finals. I think referred to it as the "nail" for the area LeBron was operating out of. The key to the success of this play is the guys on the wing hitting shots. Can these guys continue to shoot well on the road and can LeBron sustain this output with only one day rest?
I wonder how tired he can get with the cupcakes he faced in the first two rounds. That shouldn't be a problem I think Shape.
I think some of the fouls, in particular a few of the ones on Howard (but definitely not all) were dubious. But for the most part, a lot of those blocking fouls are legitimate fouls. It's just very difficult to guard the guy without fouling him.
He cramped up bad in one of games already. I guess that Vitamin water he promotes doesn't work very well. LOL His body will feel it today and plane travel takes a toll on you as well. I wouldn't be surprised to see Orlando start taking harder fouls on him instead of reacting to his drives and making LeBron pick himself up from the court when he attacks the rim. The Cavs were a lot more physical with Howard yesterday and Orlando can do the same against LeBron. Battie, Foyle & Gortat all have 6 fouls they can use to get physical with LeBron.
