Recently it’s seemed like the Big 3 became the Big 1 as Lebron James had to shoulder the brunt of the work reminiscent of his Cleveland days inciting nicknames like the Miami Cavaliers. While some may see Lebron as a machine and indestructible, it turns out it’s all taking a toll on him. Read more after the jump.
In addition to leading the team in points, rebounds and assists, Lebron also takes the task of guarding whoever is the best player on the opposing team. All of that together is guaranteed to wear anyone out including King James himself. Coming off a seven game series with the Indiana Pacers left James with very little against the well rested San Antonio Spurs.
via ESPN
“I had been accustomed to being able to start the fourth but the third quarter was so — I was in the paint, defensive rebounding, I was closing out Kawhi Leonard on shooters,” James said. “It took all in the tank from me in the third quarter. So I needed a little breather.”
It is tough. But it is what it is,” James said. “I put myself in a position to try to do everything for this team, a little bit of everything, and put myself in a position to win. It’s very challenging mentally, physically. But you have to figure out a way to just have will at this point of the season. There’s not too many days left. There’s no room for excuses.”
Here’s the risk-reward summation: Wade is hurting, Chris Bosh is slumping, Shane Battier is barely playing because of ineffectiveness, and neither Mario Chalmers nor Norris Cole is as effective on Tony Parker defensively in the clutch as James is even if he’s gassed. This isn’t about risk, it’s about reality. The Heat are going to ride James no matter the consequences.
