Game 7s are always big, but there is something about a Game 7 in Boston that just seems bigger.
Throughout the history of basketball, the scenario has been practically the same when it comes to do-or-die games at The Garden.
It is Game 7, so of course, Boston’s opponent has proven itself capable of hanging with the Celtics, but history has shown time and time again that visiting foes have virtually no chance in Boston. The fans, the mystique, and the ghosts of Celtics past just will not allow it.
However, today there is one man who is capable of looking those ghosts in the eye, bum rushing his way past them and dunking on those green monsters’ heads. There is one man who can point two King-sized middle fingers at “Celtic Pride” and send Boston fans home, crying in their green beers.
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That man, of course, is LeBron James.
When LeBron entered the NBA at Age 18 with all that hype and all of those comparisons to Michael and Magic, this was the type of game everyone out there saw “King” James dominating.
Some may say this game is not a make-or-break for LeBron James’ career, but it may prove to be just that.
Today, the world will find out if James has the “it” that the basketball kings of the past possessed. Is LeBron James the “next big thing” or merely an athletically-gifted human YouTube machine, a rich man’s Dominique Wilkins?
For us to know the answer to that question, LeBron’s Cavs do not necessarily have to win this game, but James has to play well and give his undermanned team more than a puncher’s chance to win a Game 7 in Boston.
LeBron James needs to put up (at least) a 30-10-8 stat line this afternoon. LeBron needs to be the reason Cleveland wins today, but definitely cannot be the reason the Cavs lose.
Will “The Chosen One” march into Boston and singlehandedly take down the Celtics in their own building? No one can say that for sure, right now.
One thing is for sure though. If James does go into Boston and pull off the upset with one of those legendarily classic playoff performances, look out, NBA.
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3 months ago
Its utterly ridiculous to say that at 23 years old this game could "make or break" LeBron James. Ridiculous.
3 months ago
It's a really well written article, but I have to agree with Jeremy. He's 23 uears young and playing against a superior team. Make or Break is a little extreme.
3 months ago
I wasn't saying that he necessarily has to win this game, I was saying he needs to show that he is capable of raising his game when it matters most much like Jordan, Magic, Bird, etc. did. I believe Jordan scored 63 against the Celtics as a 22 or 23 year old.
Maybe make or break was the wrong choice of words, but I feel the way basketball fans view James will change, in the sense that after today's game, we should know whether James is "big time" or not. My belief is that you either have "it" or you don't, and it's not something you magically acquire 5 or 6 years into a career.
3 months ago
Its pretty evident that he has "it"....it was quite obvious before game 5 last year in Detroit. And after that game it's been clear as day. The Celtics have a great roster. Jordan never pushed the Celts to 7 games. Lebron not playing well still gives the Cavs a chance due to the attention he demands. I dont think as much team defense has been used against any player since Wilt. Not even Jordan...
3 months ago
No doubt that James has "it". Not even a doubt in my mind. It is also clear that his team does NOT have "it." James played superbly today in the close out loss, whereas the same cannot be said for anyone else on the squad.
3 months ago
He's 23, is still developing his game and has minimal help on the roster. One game this early will not define him forever. I think he'll turn out OK.
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