Just a few days ago I wrote how LeBron James' spirit seemed to have disappointed. Based on a terrible loss to the Houston Rockets, the Cavaliers looked to be done for the season. I wondered... is LeBron tired of taking on the role of civic leader for Ohio while training to win NBA games and championships?
In last night's game, LeBron willed himself to lead his team to victory. And this was a game he won with his muscle and brute athletic power. The game went into overtime. LeBron's massive shot block of a Minnesota shot kept the score close. He took defender Andrew Wiggins to school, blowing past him on a drive to the basket. Announcer Hubie Brown noted that LeBron did not opt for the lazy man's route and attempt to throw up a difficult 3 point shot. LeBron took Wiggins to the hoop with muscle, speed and dexterity and drove hard to the basket to put in a lay-up. You sense LeBron is having to dig a little deeper to make these moves at age 33.
The capper was LeBron receiving a cross-court inbounds pass and hitting a fade away jumper with 1 second remaining in the game. They call it a buzzer beater for a reason. The pass-and-shot looked very reminiscent of the famous Christian Laettner shot for Duke University in the final second of the 1992 NCAA championship game versus Kentucky.
The Cavaliers victory came after a roller coaster ride of a game. The lead changed hands 34 times and was tied 16 times. Three point shots rained down with incredible accuracy. The could easily have quit with the Timberwolves. LeBron wouldn't let it happen. That's the definition of a leader.
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