Many pundits have criticized LeBron James' defense this season, suggesting that his defense isn't as well-balanced as his offense. Whoever still feels this way obviously hasn't watched him in the playoffs. Monday night's victory against the Pistons, knotting the series at two games a piece, is a perfect example. LeBron had two key blocks in the game, one on Richard Hamilton early and the other on Chauncey Billups late. These blocks were perfectly timed and emphatic enough to remind Detroit's backcourt who it is exactly they're driving the lane against. LeBron's second block against Detroit's M.V.P. came during a fourth-quarter Piston drought that essentially sealed a Cavalier victory.
LeBron averaged 1.5 steals this season and nearly a block a game. Not bad at all. And in Game Three against Detroit, James had four steals and a block. So the next time someone suggests that LeBron's merely an offensive powerhouse, be sure to inform them that 'we are all witnesses' and to tune into Game 5.
Detroit is not being aggressive. Their hesitance has less to do with the Cavs defense and more to do with their own will. The Pistons have some serious soul searching and film watching to do. The backdoor is open all day and they are not utilizing it. I counted 16 times to be exact.
I'm a LeBron fan, but I agree he needs to work on his defense. Too many people look at stats and blocks to determine a defenders worth. LeBron is an excellent off the ball and on the break defender. But his on the ball defense needs a lot of work With that said, since game two of this series he has played excellent on the ball defense and I fully expect for him to grow into becoming that way the rest of his career.
Turn-ons: Gator national championships ; Sushi; NBA Playoffs; A Tribe Called Quest; Women; Jack Daniels; Women who drink Jack Daniels; Women who drink Jack Daniels while eating sushi; Women who dream of more Gator national championships while eating sushi and drinking Jack Daniels during basketball season, The Red Zone Report
Turn-offs: Waking up early; The inevitable media coverage Bobby Bowden will get when he finally retires; Drama; Prejudice; Chicken liver; Work of any sort