Rerisen wrote:Well you should put stock there. I think you are over analyzing a small sample size in the playoffs. Even in the playoffs, most years teams don't play the #1 and #2 defense back to back.
Small? He's made it all the way to the finals. We're looking at 19 games here, that's a big deal! Bottom line is he averaged 11+ FTA in his prior 5 postseason appearances, despite facing numerous defensive powerhouses. This year he's down to 7.8. I don't see how that doesn't speak volumes to how his game has changed.
Then how the heck did his finishing % stay the same as the last two years and he's only averaged just under 1 less attempt at the rim
Like toodles pointed out, the % of his total paint attempts this season dropped nearly 10% compared to last season as far as 2pt FGA are concerned, so the difference isn't as minor as you're making it out to be. He gets inside significantly less than before. And again, I have to point at the many weak defensive teams one faces during the regular season. It's easy to penetrate against them, which is why I don't believe regular season numbers paint an accurate picture of LeBron's ability this season. Playoffs are far more telling because of the much improved D, and you can't ignore that LeBron's FTA have gone DOWN compared to the regular season this year, which is something that NEVER happened in Cleveland.
Yes, his inside scoring is down about 5% as a percentage of his total shots. Maybe he's not the best in the league at it anymore, but he's still close. Doesn't make him a shell of what he once was.
The real issue to me is how difficult it is for him to get inside, not necessarily his diminished ability to finish. He can still use to his strength to muscle in points, but he can't use his strength to just get inside from the perimeter. You need quickness for that, and LeBron simply doesn't possess that anymore.
Just think some of these posts are going overboard with some of the hyperbole.
It's the eye-test factor. If you are a BIG LeBron fan, then it's just hard to not notice how much his body has fallen off. IMO it's not hyperbole. I'm simply reacting to what I see on the court. I urge people to watch some game-highlights of Cavs-LeBron after a Miami game. It's like watching 2 completely different players.
Saying he can't drive at all anymore
Against top-level defensive teams, it's nearly an impossibility for him to get inside. I'm guaranteeing you that in these playoffs, 75%+ of his made field goals have come from the perimeter. If the defense is good, then jumpers are his only hope.
Lebron is the abused step child who is having social issues. Classic case of being too passive.
