LeBron James: Why Phenomenal Performance Only Increases Pressure on King James

LeBron James proved nothing.

In Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, James dropped 40 points, hauled in 18 boards and delivered nine dimes, leading the Miami Heat to victory. LeBron deserves praise for his phenomenal performance, but NBA fans learned absolutely nothing new about him in the triumph.

James is the MVP for a reason—he’s the most productive player in the league. His ability to fill up a stat sheet isn’t a gasp-worthy phenomenon that was just discovered.

Yet, for some odd reason, the common "'Bron backer" response to the show he put on in Game 4 is this: See! Who’s afraid of the moment now?!

James didn’t convert a single field goal in the final eight minutes of the game. What in the world did he do to dispel any of his critics?

No one in their right mind is questioning LeBron’s talent. Unless you live under a rock, you know that he’s capable of terrorizing any opposition.

What his critics constantly put under the microscope is his ability come crunch time. Considering that Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem played the role of closers in the contest, the fact that the 'Bron backers believed James somehow solidified his reputation is baffling.

Again, LeBron proved nothing new. But what he did do was raise the bar even higher. According to ESPN, Shane Battier said after the game: "LeBron had that look. And when he has that look and Dwyane has that look, you want to run through a wall."

So, does Game 3—22 points, three assists and four turnovers—happen when LeBron doesn’t have that look?

James didn’t reveal anything new in Game 4. What he did was reaffirm the damage he’s capable of causing. That reaffirmation of his dominance following his Game 3 choke job only raises the ceiling higher.

And the higher you go, the harder you fall.

LeBron should put his superiority on display the rest of the series and coast to the Eastern Conference Finals. But when he doesn’t, criticism will be more intense than ever.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels