Zero Dark Thirty-23 begins today, playoff LeBron James has arrived
By JR DePierro
Once again LeBron James will enter the NBA Playoffs and will also continue his routine of abandoning all social media platforms until further notice.
At this point, most fans of the NBA are aware of LeBron James’ “Zero Dark Thirty-23”. As he leaves the social media world for the short-term, he prepares to “flip the switch” for the playoffs.
The Cleveland Cavaliers play their first playoff game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday and not many people know what to expect from this match-up.
The Pacers could very well put up a fight and make the first round a grueling battle for the Cavaliers. On the other hand, the Cavaliers may end up sweeping the series behind a dominant LeBron. The Zero Dark Thirty LeBron is another level of greatness, and in the midst of one of his best seasons, we might not know the level at which James will come out and play.
That being said, it’s no secret that in order for the Cavaliers to go deep into the playoffs, it will require more than a spectacular effort from LeBron. It will require exactly what I just said: a level we’ve yet to see from LeBron.
Also, all around contributions will be a must, and Kevin Love will need to lead like the co-captain he is. He should feel comfortable with the knowledge that he is without a doubt the number two option and must produce like it in order for the Cavaliers to win.
At the end of the day, this roster has not been together very long, just a little over two months in fact. Even though this is true, the face of the matter is the Cavaliers still have the greatest player in the world on their team and are the favorites to win the East.
It seems like the most difficult matchup for the Cavaliers would be the Philadelphia 76ers. The Milwaukee Bucks may be a bit of a challenge as well, but by challenge, I mean a five-game series with the Cavaliers coming out on top. Toronto should go five, maybe six. Needless to say, the East won’t be stopping LeBron this year.
In terms of the NBA Finals, it seems like the Golden State Warriors would give the Cavaliers the hardest time. The Houston Rockets will too, but the Cavaliers have a better shot to win a seven-game series against them as opposed to the Warriors.
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Regardless, we will find out one way or another.