This past Thursday, Lebron James, a small forward for the Miami Heat, made his first return to Cleveland to play his old team, The Cleveland Cavaliers. Since making the decision to "Take his talents to South Beach", James has been widely criticized for betraying and disrespecting the Cavalier organization, team and fans. Leading up to the most anticipated game of the year, the world wanted to know: Would Lebron be able to deal with the pressure? How would the fans react? Would Cleveland prove that they don't need him? Normally, a hometown legend would be greeted with a standing ovation; however, on this night, the former "King" was booed every time he touched the ball and insulted with numerous signs. The Miami Heat dominated throughout the game. While the pressure of the game rested on James' shoulders, he turned in a Michael Jordan-like performance (38 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists) while sitting out the entire fourth quarter. After the game, James walked off the floor a professional, who just stepped up to the pressure and schooled his former team. This game proved to me that Cleveland needed Lebron more than Lebron needed Cleveland. It was incredible to see Lebron play tremendously well. There was plenty of hype going into the game, but it didn't even seem to faze Lebron. I wonder what was going through his mind before, during and after the game. How did he compose himself in a professional manner in one of the biggest games of the season?
Kimiyo Harada
KIN 332I Section 3017
1 comment:
I completely agree with your comment saying that 'Cleveland needed Lebron more than Lebron needed Cleveland.' I was amazed and felt very good for Lebron for the performance he put on that night against his previous team. Lebron made the biggest and probably most difficult decision of his life when leaving Cleveland for Miami. Being a die-hard basketball fan, I have followed Lebron James ever since his senior year in high school at St. Vincent St. Mary in Akron, Ohio. I have noticed that every year he has been in the NBA, Lebron has become more and more comfortable with himself and his game. He seems more at ease whenever he has the ball in his hand compared to a few seasons ago. Lebron has the ability to take over any game at any time.
So coming up to this game, the question was not whether he COULD have a great game, but rather WOULD he. His 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists proved to everyone that he did not have a care in the world where he was playing that night. He could have been nice and only scored 20, but he decided to give his former fans a show they probably wouldn't get to see all season. His maturity and control of his emotions allowed him to simply play the game the only way he knows how to. Astoundingly good.
Patrick Tabora
kin 332I.S3200
Post a Comment