LeBron couldn't do it by himself. Despite single-handedly keeping the Cavs in Game 7 against Detroit, willing his team back into the game after trailing 7-0 and 14-4 early, in the end Cleveland couldn't overcome the adversity -- playing on the road, in their first Game 7, against the defending NBA champs, without anyone besides LeBron willing to step up their play, take a big shot or contribute offensively.
I predicted an unbelievable individual performance from King James. Well, he didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, the rest of his team did. LeBron had 27 points and 8 boards, and only Larry Hughes -- his teammate who hadn't played in 4 games due to the death of his brother -- finished in double figures with 10 points. Boy do they need some help in Cleveland. Where were Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden? Apparently they never got off the flight to Detroit.
The loss, while depressing, is OK for the LeBrons. Even Michael Jordan had to face adversity -- at the hands of the Detroit Pistons, as well -- before he went on to win 6 NBA titles. The Pistons won as a team, with 4 players scoring in double figures, led by Tayshaun Prince's 20 points. LeBron couldn't do it by himself. What he needs in a good sidekick, a Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant to Shaq. That was supposed to be Hughes, who missed most of the season due to injury and hasn't lived up to his billing. No. Cleveland needs real help -- a Chris Bosh or Charlie Villanueva, or another athletic young post player that can help LeBron over the hump.
What you saw from LeBron James this year was nothing short of miraculous. He had an MVP season, although he didn't win the award. And he's only 21. The best is yet to come for the superstar, who led the Cavs to the brink of the Eastern Conference finals, when most people felt they would be swept by Detroit -- especially after they fell into an 0-2 deficit to start the series. Just keep watching the kid. He's destined for greatness.
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