The Lebron Thread (Pt. 2)

[GSP]

Id be more worried about memphis. I dont take hibbert seriously after last playoffs i know hes improved but i dont see him as a threat. George is great tho but memphis will embarass wade, lebron and bosh will be needed that series to step up

[Rerisen]

Teams have correctly recognized that he's a much bigger threat on the court now, especially off the dribble, and have essentially returned to the old Cleveland defense

Well also, Wade is less of a threat right now. I actually felt accepting of having Marco Belinelli guard Wade, where in past seasons, that would have been a green light for him to go off 30+.

Indy's defense will be a stiffer test than injured Chicago. That team is long and fast, more similar to Miami but with more beef down low.

[mademan]

Teams have correctly recognized that he's a much bigger threat on the court now, especially off the dribble, and have essentially returned to the old Cleveland defense

Well also, Wade is less of a threat right now. I actually felt accepting of having Marco Belinelli guard Wade, where in past seasons, that would have been a green light for him to go off 30+.

Indy's defense will be a stiffer test than injured Chicago. That team is long and fast, more similar to Miami but with more beef down low.

I think Indy is going to be more willing to let Lebron beat them than let their shooters go off. Thibedou's strategy of overloading the PnR with Lebron left the weakside open for 3 very often. Frank Vogel seems to be content with George/Hibbert guarding Melo in the PnR and sticking to their shooters. They'll probably start out doing the same to Lebron.

[arifgokcen]

Teams have correctly recognized that he's a much bigger threat on the court now, especially off the dribble, and have essentially returned to the old Cleveland defense

Well also, Wade is less of a threat right now. I actually felt accepting of having Marco Belinelli guard Wade, where in past seasons, that would have been a green light for him to go off 30+.

Indy's defense will be a stiffer test than injured Chicago. That team is long and fast, more similar to Miami but with more beef down low.

Actually miami struggles against more than bulls than anybody else.Because of noah and his ability to cover pick and roll. Last year i remember very vividly hibbert got killed trying to defend pick and roll and that was with joel anthony/haslem/turiaf.Imagine hibbert trying to defend bosh and wade/lebron pick and roll.IF by any chance they try to bring help from either side its gonna be a wide open basket and pacers has long stretches where they just cant score. Assuming wade plays at 60-80&, i cant see pacers winning more than 1 game.

[thebottomline]

Ranking LeBron's up and down performance the last two seasons

1. 2013 2nd half of RS
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2013 1st half of RS
4. 2012 1st half of RS
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS

[PCProductions]

Ranking LeBron's up and down performance the last two seasons

1. 2013 2nd half of RS
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2013 1st half of RS
4. 2012 1st half of RS
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS

2013 first half over 2012 first half...?

[thebottomline]

Ranking LeBron's up and down performance the last two seasons

1. 2013 2nd half of RS
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2013 1st half of RS
4. 2012 1st half of RS
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS

2013 first half over 2012 first half...?

Those two are the closest to me. His production in the first half of 2012 was slightly better, but league competition was relatively weak after the lockout. Average level of play finally picked up after a few months in 2012. It's close though, I wouldn't mind if they were switched.

1. 2013 2nd half of RS (42 games)
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2012 1st half of RS (42 games)
4. 2013 1st half of RS (34 games)
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS (20 games)

Sizable gap after 1 and another gap after 4. Keep in mind this is based on performance/production rather than ability.

[JulesWinnfield]

LeBron in elimination games in his career (Either facing elimination or a chance to close out a series)

31 Games
20 wins 11 losses

28.7ppg
9.5 rebs
7.1 ast
45.5% FG

Game logs in the spoiler with more detailed numbers

Spoiler:

Rd1 '06 gm6 @ WAS (W) 32 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 15/25 FG, 1/6 3p, 1/3 FT, 2stl, 1blk, 5 to
ESF '06 gm 6 Det (L) 32 pts, 11 rebs, 5 ast, 8/20 FG, 1/5 3p, 15/18 FT, 1stl, 1blk, 7 to
ESF '06 gm7 @Det (L) 27 pts, 8 rebs, 2 ast, 11/24 FG, 0/4 3p, 5/8 FT, 1stl, 0 blks, 3 to
Rd1 '07 gm4 @Was (W) 31 pts, 11 rebs, 7 ast, 8/22 FG, 1/5 3p, 14/17 FT, 3stl, 1blk, 2to
ESF '07 gm5 NJ (L) 20 pts, 9 rebs, 5 ast, 5/14 FG, 0/2 3p, 10/11 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 5 TO
ESF '07 gm6 @NJ (W) 23 pts, 8 rebs 8 ast 8/20 FG, 1/5 3p, 6/9 FT, 1stl, 0blk, 2 to
ECF '07 gm6 Det (W) 20pts, 14 rebs, 8 ast, 3/11 FG, 0/2 3p, 14/19 FT, 2stl, 2blk, 3 to
Finals '07 gm4 SA (L) 24 pts, 6 rebs, 10 ast, 10/30 FG, 2/7 3pfg, 2/6 FT, 0stl, 0blk, 6 to
Rd1 '08 Gm5 Was (L) 34 pts 10 rebs 7 ast, 8/21 FG, 3/9 3p, 15/18 FT, 1stl, 2 blk, 5 to
Rd1 '08 Gm6 @Was (W) 27 pts, 13 ast, 13 rebs, 8/17 FG, 1/2 3p, 10/10 ft, 2stl, 1blk, 1to
ESF '08 Gm6 Bos (W) 32pts, 12 rebs, 6 ast, 9/23 FG, 1/3 3p, 13/15 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 8 to
ESF '08 Gm7 @Bos (L) 45 pts, 5 rebs, 6 ast, 14/29 FG, 3/11 3p, 14/19 FT, 2stl, 0 blk, 2 to
Rd1 '09 Gm4 @Det (W) 36 pts, 13 rebs, 8 ast, 10/24 FG, 0/3 3p, 16/17 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 2 to
ESF '09 Gm4 @ Atl (W)27 pts, 8 rebs, 8 ast, 9/22 FG, 3/6 3p, 5/8 ft, 1stl, 0 blk, 3 to
ECF '09 Gm 5 Orl (W) 37 pts, 14 rebs, 12 ast, 11/24 FG, 0/2 3p, 15/19 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 4 to
ECF '09 Gm6 @Orl (L) 25 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 8/20 FG, 2/8 3p, 7/11 ft, 0stl, 1 blk, 3 to
Rd1 '10 Gm5 Chi (W) 19 pts 10 rebs 9 ast, 5/12 FG, 1/2 3p, 8/14 FT, 0stl, 2 blk, 3 to
ESF '10 Gm 6 @Bos (L) 27 pts 19 rebs 10 ast , 8/21 FG, 2/4 3p 9/12 FT, 3stl, 1 blk, 9 to
Rd 1 '11 Gm4 @ Phi (L) 31 pts 7 rebs 6 ast 11/20 FG, 0/4 3p, 9/11 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 1 to
Rd 1 '11 gm5 Phi (W) 16 pts, 10 rebs, 8 ast, 5/13 FG, 2/5 3p, 4/5 ft, 1 stl, 0 blk, 3 to
ESF '11 Gm 5 Bos (W) 33 pts, 7 rebs 4 ast, 11/20 FG, 5/7 3p, 6/9 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 5 to
ECF '11 Gm 5 @Chi (W) 28 pts, 11 rebs, 6 ast, 8/19 FG, 3/6 3p, 9/11 FT, 3stl, 2 blk, 4 to
Finals '11 Gm 6 Dal (L) 21 pts 4 rebs, 6 ast, 9/15 FG, 2/5 3p, 1/4 FT, 1 stl, 1 blk, 6 TO
Rd 1 '12 Gm4 @NYK (L) 27 pts, 4 reb 4 ast, 9/21 FG, 2/5 3p, 7/8 FT, 1stl, 0 blk, 5 TO
Rd1 '12 Gm 5 NYK (W) 29 pts, 8 rebs 7 ast, 7/16 FG, 2/6 3p, 13/15 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 4 TO
ESF '12 Gm 6 @Ind (W) 28 pts, 6 rebs, 7 ast, 12/23 FG, 0/3 3p, 4/5 FT, 3stl, 0 blk, 1 TO
ECF '12 Gm 6 @ BOS (W) 45 pts, 15 reb, 5 ast, 19/26 FG, 2/4 3p, 5/9 ft, 0stl, 0 blk, 4 to
ECF '12 Gm 7 Bos (W) 31 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast, 9/21 FG, 1/5 3p, 12/17 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 3 to
Finals '12 Gm 5 OKC (W) 26 pts 11 rebs 13 ast, 9/19 FG, 0/3 3p, 8/9 FT, 1stl, 2 blk, 6 to
Rd 1 '13 Gm 4 @ Mil (W) 30 pts, 8 rebs 7 ast 13/20 fg, 0/2 3p, 4/7 ft, 3stl 1 blk 5 to
ESF '13 Gm 5 Chi (W) 23 pts 7 reb 8 ast, 5/14 fg, 1/3 3p, 12/15 ft, 2stl 0 blk 2 to

One of these days when I have the time + desire I'll do this for a whole bunch of guys past and present just to see how the numbers stack up in these spots

[PCProductions]

LeBron in elimination games in his career (Either facing elimination or a chance to close out a series)

31 Games
20 wins 11 losses

28.7ppg
9.5 rebs
7.1 ast
45.5% FG

Game logs in the spoiler with more detailed numbers

Spoiler:

Rd1 '06 gm6 @ WAS (W) 32 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 15/25 FG, 1/6 3p, 1/3 FT, 2stl, 1blk, 5 to
ESF '06 gm 6 Det (L) 32 pts, 11 rebs, 5 ast, 8/20 FG, 1/5 3p, 15/18 FT, 1stl, 1blk, 7 to
ESF '06 gm7 @Det (L) 27 pts, 8 rebs, 2 ast, 11/24 FG, 0/4 3p, 5/8 FT, 1stl, 0 blks, 3 to
Rd1 '07 gm4 @Was (W) 31 pts, 11 rebs, 7 ast, 8/22 FG, 1/5 3p, 14/17 FT, 3stl, 1blk, 2to
ESF '07 gm5 NJ (L) 20 pts, 9 rebs, 5 ast, 5/14 FG, 0/2 3p, 10/11 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 5 TO
ESF '07 gm6 @NJ (W) 23 pts, 8 rebs 8 ast 8/20 FG, 1/5 3p, 6/9 FT, 1stl, 0blk, 2 to
ECF '07 gm6 Det (W) 20pts, 14 rebs, 8 ast, 3/11 FG, 0/2 3p, 14/19 FT, 2stl, 2blk, 3 to
Finals '07 gm4 SA (L) 24 pts, 6 rebs, 10 ast, 10/30 FG, 2/7 3pfg, 2/6 FT, 0stl, 0blk, 6 to
Rd1 '08 Gm5 Was (L) 34 pts 10 rebs 7 ast, 8/21 FG, 3/9 3p, 15/18 FT, 1stl, 2 blk, 5 to
Rd1 '08 Gm6 @Was (W) 27 pts, 13 ast, 13 rebs, 8/17 FG, 1/2 3p, 10/10 ft, 2stl, 1blk, 1to
ESF '08 Gm6 Bos (W) 32pts, 12 rebs, 6 ast, 9/23 FG, 1/3 3p, 13/15 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 8 to
ESF '08 Gm7 @Bos (L) 45 pts, 5 rebs, 6 ast, 14/29 FG, 3/11 3p, 14/19 FT, 2stl, 0 blk, 2 to
Rd1 '09 Gm4 @Det (W) 36 pts, 13 rebs, 8 ast, 10/24 FG, 0/3 3p, 16/17 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 2 to
ESF '09 Gm4 @ Atl (W)27 pts, 8 rebs, 8 ast, 9/22 FG, 3/6 3p, 5/8 ft, 1stl, 0 blk, 3 to
ECF '09 Gm 5 Orl (W) 37 pts, 14 rebs, 12 ast, 11/24 FG, 0/2 3p, 15/19 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 4 to
ECF '09 Gm6 @Orl (L) 25 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 8/20 FG, 2/8 3p, 7/11 ft, 0stl, 1 blk, 3 to
Rd1 '10 Gm5 Chi (W) 19 pts 10 rebs 9 ast, 5/12 FG, 1/2 3p, 8/14 FT, 0stl, 2 blk, 3 to
ESF '10 Gm 6 @Bos (L) 27 pts 19 rebs 10 ast , 8/21 FG, 9/12 FT, 3stl, 1 blk, 9 to
Rd 1 '11 Gm4 @ Phi (L) 31 pts 7 rebs 6 ast 11/20 FG, 0/4 3p, 9/11 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 1 to
Rd 1 '11 gm5 Phi (W) 16 pts, 10 rebs, 8 ast, 5/13 FG, 2/5 3p, 4/5 ft, 1 stl, 0 blk, 3 to
ESF '11 Gm 5 Bos (W) 33 pts, 7 rebs 4 ast, 11/20 FG, 5/7 3p, 6/9 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 5 to
ECF '11 Gm 5 @Chi (W) 28 pts, 11 rebs, 6 ast, 8/19 FG, 3/6 3p, 9/11 FT, 3stl, 2 blk, 4 to
Finals '11 Gm 6 Dal (L) 21 pts 4 rebs, 6 ast, 9/15 FG, 2/5 3p, 1/4 FT, 1 stl, 1 blk, 6 TO
Rd 1 '12 Gm4 @NYK (L) 27 pts, 4 reb 4 ast, 9/21 FG, 2/5 3p, 7/8 FT, 1stl, 0 blk, 5 TO
Rd1 '12 Gm 5 NYK (W) 29 pts, 8 rebs 7 ast, 7/16 FG, 2/6 3p, 13/15 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 4 TO
ESF '12 Gm 6 @Ind (W) 28 pts, 6 rebs, 7 ast, 12/23 FG, 0/3 3p, 4/5 FT, 3stl, 0 blk, 1 TO
ECF '12 Gm 6 @ BOS (W) 45 pts, 15 reb, 5 ast, 19/26 FG, 2/4 3p, 5/9 ft, 0stl, 0 blk, 4 to
ECF '12 Gm 7 Bos (W) 31 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast, 9/21 FG, 1/5 3p, 12/17 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 3 to
Finals '12 Gm 5 OKC (W) 26 pts 11 rebs 13 ast, 9/19 FG, 0/3 3p, 8/9 FT, 1stl, 2 blk, 6 to
Rd 1 '13 Gm 4 @ Mil (W) 30 pts, 8 rebs 7 ast 13/20 fg, 0/2 3p, 4/7 ft, 3stl 1 blk 5 to
ESF '13 Gm 5 Chi (W) 23 pts 7 reb 8 ast, 5/14 fg, 1/3 3p, 12/15 ft, 2stl 0 blk 2 to

One of these days when I have the time + desire I'll do this for a whole bunch of guys past and present just to see how the numbers stack up in these spots

What's funny is that it seems as if he neither improves nor worsens in these games, which is consistent with clutch stats and the like. It says to me that maybe context isn't as important as people think.

[JulesWinnfield]

LeBron in elimination games in his career (Either facing elimination or a chance to close out a series)

31 Games
20 wins 11 losses

28.7ppg
9.5 rebs
7.1 ast
45.5% FG

Game logs in the spoiler with more detailed numbers

Spoiler:

Rd1 '06 gm6 @ WAS (W) 32 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 15/25 FG, 1/6 3p, 1/3 FT, 2stl, 1blk, 5 to
ESF '06 gm 6 Det (L) 32 pts, 11 rebs, 5 ast, 8/20 FG, 1/5 3p, 15/18 FT, 1stl, 1blk, 7 to
ESF '06 gm7 @Det (L) 27 pts, 8 rebs, 2 ast, 11/24 FG, 0/4 3p, 5/8 FT, 1stl, 0 blks, 3 to
Rd1 '07 gm4 @Was (W) 31 pts, 11 rebs, 7 ast, 8/22 FG, 1/5 3p, 14/17 FT, 3stl, 1blk, 2to
ESF '07 gm5 NJ (L) 20 pts, 9 rebs, 5 ast, 5/14 FG, 0/2 3p, 10/11 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 5 TO
ESF '07 gm6 @NJ (W) 23 pts, 8 rebs 8 ast 8/20 FG, 1/5 3p, 6/9 FT, 1stl, 0blk, 2 to
ECF '07 gm6 Det (W) 20pts, 14 rebs, 8 ast, 3/11 FG, 0/2 3p, 14/19 FT, 2stl, 2blk, 3 to
Finals '07 gm4 SA (L) 24 pts, 6 rebs, 10 ast, 10/30 FG, 2/7 3pfg, 2/6 FT, 0stl, 0blk, 6 to
Rd1 '08 Gm5 Was (L) 34 pts 10 rebs 7 ast, 8/21 FG, 3/9 3p, 15/18 FT, 1stl, 2 blk, 5 to
Rd1 '08 Gm6 @Was (W) 27 pts, 13 ast, 13 rebs, 8/17 FG, 1/2 3p, 10/10 ft, 2stl, 1blk, 1to
ESF '08 Gm6 Bos (W) 32pts, 12 rebs, 6 ast, 9/23 FG, 1/3 3p, 13/15 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 8 to
ESF '08 Gm7 @Bos (L) 45 pts, 5 rebs, 6 ast, 14/29 FG, 3/11 3p, 14/19 FT, 2stl, 0 blk, 2 to
Rd1 '09 Gm4 @Det (W) 36 pts, 13 rebs, 8 ast, 10/24 FG, 0/3 3p, 16/17 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 2 to
ESF '09 Gm4 @ Atl (W)27 pts, 8 rebs, 8 ast, 9/22 FG, 3/6 3p, 5/8 ft, 1stl, 0 blk, 3 to
ECF '09 Gm 5 Orl (W) 37 pts, 14 rebs, 12 ast, 11/24 FG, 0/2 3p, 15/19 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 4 to
ECF '09 Gm6 @Orl (L) 25 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast, 8/20 FG, 2/8 3p, 7/11 ft, 0stl, 1 blk, 3 to
Rd1 '10 Gm5 Chi (W) 19 pts 10 rebs 9 ast, 5/12 FG, 1/2 3p, 8/14 FT, 0stl, 2 blk, 3 to
ESF '10 Gm 6 @Bos (L) 27 pts 19 rebs 10 ast , 8/21 FG, 9/12 FT, 3stl, 1 blk, 9 to
Rd 1 '11 Gm4 @ Phi (L) 31 pts 7 rebs 6 ast 11/20 FG, 0/4 3p, 9/11 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 1 to
Rd 1 '11 gm5 Phi (W) 16 pts, 10 rebs, 8 ast, 5/13 FG, 2/5 3p, 4/5 ft, 1 stl, 0 blk, 3 to
ESF '11 Gm 5 Bos (W) 33 pts, 7 rebs 4 ast, 11/20 FG, 5/7 3p, 6/9 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 5 to
ECF '11 Gm 5 @Chi (W) 28 pts, 11 rebs, 6 ast, 8/19 FG, 3/6 3p, 9/11 FT, 3stl, 2 blk, 4 to
Finals '11 Gm 6 Dal (L) 21 pts 4 rebs, 6 ast, 9/15 FG, 2/5 3p, 1/4 FT, 1 stl, 1 blk, 6 TO
Rd 1 '12 Gm4 @NYK (L) 27 pts, 4 reb 4 ast, 9/21 FG, 2/5 3p, 7/8 FT, 1stl, 0 blk, 5 TO
Rd1 '12 Gm 5 NYK (W) 29 pts, 8 rebs 7 ast, 7/16 FG, 2/6 3p, 13/15 FT, 2stl, 1 blk, 4 TO
ESF '12 Gm 6 @Ind (W) 28 pts, 6 rebs, 7 ast, 12/23 FG, 0/3 3p, 4/5 FT, 3stl, 0 blk, 1 TO
ECF '12 Gm 6 @ BOS (W) 45 pts, 15 reb, 5 ast, 19/26 FG, 2/4 3p, 5/9 ft, 0stl, 0 blk, 4 to
ECF '12 Gm 7 Bos (W) 31 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast, 9/21 FG, 1/5 3p, 12/17 FT, 1stl, 1 blk, 3 to
Finals '12 Gm 5 OKC (W) 26 pts 11 rebs 13 ast, 9/19 FG, 0/3 3p, 8/9 FT, 1stl, 2 blk, 6 to
Rd 1 '13 Gm 4 @ Mil (W) 30 pts, 8 rebs 7 ast 13/20 fg, 0/2 3p, 4/7 ft, 3stl 1 blk 5 to
ESF '13 Gm 5 Chi (W) 23 pts 7 reb 8 ast, 5/14 fg, 1/3 3p, 12/15 ft, 2stl 0 blk 2 to

One of these days when I have the time + desire I'll do this for a whole bunch of guys past and present just to see how the numbers stack up in these spots

What's funny is that it seems as if he neither improves nor worsens in these games, which is consistent with clutch stats and the like. It says to me that maybe context isn't as important as people think.

Yea same thought. Compared to his normal playoff averages, he's marginally up in scoring, rebounding, assists and marginally down in FG% (by about 1.5%, too lazy to figure out his TS%). But basically, same guy

I'm sure most players would perform to roughly their career averages in these type of spots if we did an expansive study. There would likely be a few outliers who over or under perform relative to their norm. I'd be interested in finding them at some point

[JulesWinnfield]

One random note from that game log though...

6 career elimination games against Boston. All 6 vs Celtic teams who were top 5 in D rating (4 of the 6 games in seasons the Celtics ranked #1)

35.5 ppg
11.7 rebs
5.5 ast
50.0% FG
41.1% 3pFG

[OnlyOneWay2Play]

LeBron in elimination games in his career (Either facing elimination or a chance to close out a series)

31 Games
20 wins 11 losses

28.7ppg
9.5 rebs
7.1 ast
45.5% FG

Another cut of this data I looked at was Games FACING elimination (i.e. "back against the wall"):
10 Games - 4 Wins, 6 Losses
31.4 pts
10.2 rebs
6.6 ast
46.4 FG%
(NOTE: I DO include Game 7's as "games facing elimination")

Vs. "Close out games" (i.e. games where your team can win the series with one more win) NOT including Game 7's:
21 Games - 16 Wins, 5 Losses
27.4 pts
9.2 rebs
7.3 ast
45.0 FG%

Let me preface any interpretation with the admission that (a) this is cutting an already small sample into even smaller sub-samples and (b) my choice to include Game 7's as only "back against the wall games" is arbitrary.

That said, this data suggests that LeBron plays somewhat better / harder in games where his back is against the wall than when he can "go for the throat" and end a series (early). The decent uptick in points and rebounds and decline in assists when facing elimination suggests a narrative of LeBron taking over more and deferring less in these desperation games.

Again it's always very sketchy building "stories" out of data (especially limited samples), but it sort of fits what we kind of believe about LeBron's psyche: he may not be an "assassin" like Kobe or MJ, looking to step on an opponent's throat when they're down and he tends to like to facilitate teammates when possible. But he will generally rise to the challenge / responsibility when needed and, in these cases, can perform at a very high level. If anything, it is the OPPOSITE of being a "front runner" like what that clown Skip Bayless claimed before LeBron won it all last year

To study this hypothesis more, it would be better to compare more generally when LeBron's team is trailing in the series (and maybe also tied and/or after a loss) versus when his team is leading in the series. Very anecdotally, I can think of some huge games LeBron has had when trailing (e.g. down 2-1 vs Indiana last year when he dropped 40-18-9 )

[Rasho_libre]

Ive said this numerous times when backs against the walls Lebron usually has his best games. The guy handles pressure better than when he is front running. Too bad there are guys like skip Bayless who own the media.

[microfib4thewin]

As your local Kobe hater I have gathered the numbers for games where Kobe's team was on the verge of elimination. I haven't looked at the numbers yet for close out games because I never thought going for the kill was one of Kobe's problems.

Spoiler:

2002: Game 6 vs SAC - 10-20, 31/11/5, Lakers won 106-102
2002: Game 7 vs SAC - 10-26, 30/10/7, Lakers won 112-106
2003: 9-19, 20/2/6, Spurs won 110-82
2004: 7-21, 24/3/4, Pistons won 100-87
2006: 8-16, 24/4/1, Suns won 121-90
2007: 13-33, 34/4/1, Suns won 119-110
2008: 7-22, 22/3/1, Celtics won 131-92
2009: Game 7 vs HOU - 4-12, 14/7/5, Lakers won 89-70
2010: Game 6 vs BOS - 9-19, 26/11/3, Lakers won 89-67
2010: Game 7 vs BOS - 6-24, 23/15/2, Lakers won 83-79
2011: 7-18, 17/3/1, Mavs won 122-86
2012: Game 7 vs DEN - 7-16, 17/1/8, Lakers won 96-87
2012: 18-33, 42/5/0, Thunder won 106-90

Average: 25/6/3.3/50.1% TS

Kobe's team lost by an average of 24 points when they are eliminated and won by an average of 10 points when they avoid elimination.

[microfib4thewin]

I decided to check Kobe's numbers on close out games.

Spoiler:

2001 Portland - 9-23, 4-6, 22/4/9
2001 Sacramento - 15-29, 17-19, 48/16/3
2001 Spurs - 10-19, 3-3, 24/2/11
2001 Sixers - 7-18, 10-11, 26/12/6
2002 Portland - 9-19, 4-7, 25/4/7
2002 Spurs - 10-20, 6-7, 26/8/5
2002 Kings - 10-26, 8-10, 30/10/7
2002 Nets - 7-16, 9-11, 25/6/8
2003 Wolves - 14-26, 1-2, 31/2/8
2004 Rockets - 12-21, 6-6, 31/10/3
2004 Spurs - 10-20, 6-8, 26/7/7
2004 Wolves - 6-17, 7-11, 20/0/4
2006 Game 5 - 10-17, 6-9, 29/7/5
2006 Game 6 - 20-35, 5-6, 50/8/5
2006 Game 7 - 8-16, 4-5, 24/4/1
2008 Nuggets - 12-24, 4-10, 31/7/6
2008 Jazz - 9-19, 15-17, 34/8/6
2008 Spurs - 16-30, 5-5, 39/3/3
2009 Jazz - 10-21, 8-9, 31/2/4
2009 Game 6 Rockets - 11-27, 9-10, 32/2/3
2009 Game 7 Rockets - 4-12, 5-6, 14/7/5
2009 Nuggets - 12-20, 9-9, 35/6/10
2009 Magic - 10-23, 8-8, 30/6/5
2010 OKC - 12-25, 5-7, 32/7/3
2010 Jazz - 11-23, 10-12, 32/3/4
2010 Suns - 12-25, 10-11, 37/6/2
2010 Celtics - 6-24, 11-15, 23/15/2
2011 Hornets - 6-16, 10-10, 24/1/2
2012 Game 5 Nuggets - 14-32, 10-11, 43/6/5
2012 Game 6 Nuggets - 13-23, 4-4, 31/2/4
2012 Game 7 Nuggets - 7-16, 1-4, 17/1/8

Average - 29.7/5.6/5.2/57.6% TS

Record: 25-6

[dynamic duo]

One random note from that game log though...

6 career elimination games against Boston. All 6 vs Celtic teams who were top 5 in D rating (4 of the 6 games in seasons the Celtics ranked #1)

35.5 ppg
11.7 rebs
5.5 ast
50.0% FG
41.1% 3pFG

Damn

[microfib4thewin]

Shaq

Facing elimination:

Spoiler:

1994 Indiana - 9-17, 5-10, 23/14/2
1995 Game 7 Indiana - 11-15, 3-11, 25/11/2
1995 Houston - 11-19, 3-8, 25/12/3
1996 Atlanta - 11-14, 5-15, 27/15/4
1996 Chicago - 11/13, 6-9, 28/9/3
1997 Utah - 9-17, 5-9, 23/13/5
1998 Utah - 14-24, 10-18, 38/7/1
1999 San Antonio - 12-23, 12-23, 36/14/0
2000 Sacramento - 15-24, 2-7, 32/18/4
2000 Portland - 5-9, 8-12, 18/9/5
2002 Game 6 Sacramento - 14-25, 13-17, 41/17/1
2002 Game 7 Sacramento - 12-25, 11-15, 35/13/2
2003 San Antonio - 13-21, 5-10, 31/10/3
2004 Detroit - 7-13, 6-16, 20/8/1
2005 Detroit - 12-19, 3-6, 27/9/1

Average: 28.6/12/2.4/56.8% TS/55% FT

Shaq's team lost by an average of 10 points when they are eliminated and won by 12 points when they avoid elimination.

Close out games:

Spoiler:

1995 Boston - 9/15, 7-13, 25/13/2
1995 Chicago - 11-21, 5-8, 27/13/4
1995 Game 6 Indiana - 10-15, 6-12, 26/6/2
1995 Game 7 Indiana - 11-15, 3-11, 25/11/2
1996 Detroit - 4-13, 5-9, 13/5/3
1996 Game 4 Atlanta - 7-17, 5-17, 19/8/4
1996 Game 5 Atlanta - 11-14, 5-15, 27/15/4
1997 Game 3 Portland - 10-21, 9-16, 29/12/4
1997 Game 4 Portland - 9-19, 9-11, 27/8/2
1998 Game 3 Portland - 16-23, 4-12, 36/16/4
1998 Game 4 Portland - 13-17, 5-9, 31/15/5
1998 Seattle - 12-17, 7-12, 31/9/4
1999 Game 3 Houston - 9-22, 8-16, 26/10/2
1999 Game 4 Houston - 14-22, 9-18, 37/11/3
2000 Kings - 15-24, 2-7, 32/18/4
2000 Game 4 Phoenix - 10-15, 4-12, 24/9/3
2000 Game 5 Phoenix - 7-19, 1-4, 15/21/3
2000 Game 5 Portland - 12-20, 7-12, 31/21/3
2000 Game 6 Portland - 7-17, 3-10, 17/11/5
2000 Game 7 Portland - 5-9, 8-12, 18/9/5
2000 Game 5 Indiana - 17-27, 1-6, 35/11/3
2000 Game 6 Indiana - 19-32, 3-12, 41/12/1
2001 Portland - 9-17, 7-10, 25/15/2
2001 Sacramento - 9-16, 7-13, 25/10/2
2001 San Antonio - 11-19, 4-8, 26/10/1
2001 Philadephia - 10-18, 9-19, 29/13/2
2002 Portland - 5/11, 11-16, 21/11/7
2002 San Antonio - 7-18, 7-9, 21/11/2
2002 Game 7 Sacramento - 12-25, 11-15, 35/13/2
2002 New Jersey - 12-20, 10-16, 34/10/4
2003 Minnesota - 10-18, 4-9, 24/17/9
2004 Houston - 6-13, 0-2, 12/9/5
2004 San Antonio - 5-10, 7-15, 17/19/2
2004 Minnesota - 9-15, 7-20, 25/11/1
2005 New Jersey - 7-14, 3-6, 17/8/3
2005 Wizards - Did not play close out game
2005 Game 6 Detroit - 11-18, 2-6, 24/13/4
2005 Game 7 Detroit - 12-19, 3-6, 27/9/1
2006 Chicago - 13-24, 4-8, 30/20/5
2006 New Jersey - 8-10, 1-7, 17/3/0
2006 Detroit - 12-14, 4-9, 28/16/1
2006 Dallas - 4-11, 1-4, 9/12/1

Average: 25.3/12/3.1/56.3% TS/48.3% FT

Record: 29-12

[ardee]

Ranking LeBron's up and down performance the last two seasons

1. 2013 2nd half of RS
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2013 1st half of RS
4. 2012 1st half of RS
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS

2013 first half over 2012 first half...?

Those two are the closest to me. His production in the first half of 2012 was slightly better, but league competition was relatively weak after the lockout. Average level of play finally picked up after a few months in 2012. It's close though, I wouldn't mind if they were switched.

1. 2013 2nd half of RS (42 games)
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2012 1st half of RS (42 games)
4. 2013 1st half of RS (34 games)
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS (20 games)

Sizable gap after 1 and another gap after 4. Keep in mind this is based on performance/production rather than ability.

What about '09 and '10? How would you rank those with these performances? I think post AS '09 and Playoffs '09 were probably the closest to post 'AS 2013.

[SideshowBob]

Ranking LeBron's up and down performance the last two seasons

1. 2013 2nd half of RS
2. 2012 playoffs
3. 2013 1st half of RS
4. 2012 1st half of RS
5. 2013 playoffs (so far)
6. 2012 2nd half of RS

1. 2013 2nd half of RS
2. 2013 1st half of RS/ 2013 Playoffs
4. 2012 Playoffs (last 15 G)
5. 2012 RS - April
6. 2012 RS 1st half
7. 2012 Playoffs (first 8 G)
8. 2012 RS 2nd Half (minus April)

[PCProductions]

Just wondering what you all think about this: do you guys think Paul George will be gassed from having guarded Melo--a league-wide agreed player that is tough to lock up--for 6 games? Near the end of Game 6 I saw him get blown by on a few drives. Maybe Lebron is catching him at the right time, especially having fresh legs. Although, as we saw with both the Bucks and Bulls respective Game 1's, Lebron probably suffers more from rust than he gains from having fresh legs. Not sure what to think.