Building off games 3 and 4
It is easy to get down after missing what seemed like the best opportunity of clawing back into the series in game 3. Sports psychologists such as Kevin Burke, also a contributor to Sporting News, would recommend professional athletes stay in the present for peak performance despite the mental temptation to do otherwise.
James appeared rather numb to what had happened Wednesday night after the game 3 loss, already getting his guys looking ahead to game 4.
When you put yourself in his shoes, this seems absurd. But James has been through a lot of pressure, even for a professional athlete’s standard. So a nothing-to-lose situation is actually refreshing. And the faster you let go of mistakes the better.
Game 3 was a high-cost learning opportunity but also proved the Cavaliers can compete with the Warriors on any given night. And they fired on all cylinders in game 4. Perhaps a little extra motivation from the Warriors antics helped trigger the offensive slugfest.