For the first time in LeBron James’ career, he is facing elimination in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The Indiana Pacers destroyed the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-87 to force a series-deciding Game 7. Over the years, LeBron James has built up quite a reputation for his performances in elimination games. James raises his production significantly when the chips are on the line.
Since the 2011-12 NBA season, James has played in 12 different games in which his team faced elimination.
James holds a record of 9-3 in these games and averages 35.1 points, 7.3 assists, 11.9 rebounds on 50.3 percent shooting from the field. This is a nearly eight more points and four more rebounds than his career per game average. This shows how dominant James becomes when facing pressure.
James is no stranger to heroic moments.
James has had a number of games where his team needed him to step up and carry them to a win. Like the time James scored 45 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in game six versus the Boston Celtics during the 2012 NBA playoffs. Or the time James scored 16 straight points in game six of the 2013 NBA Finals to force a game seven.
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Perhaps his most notable performance was when he helped carry the Cavaliers out of a 3-1 deficit and win Cleveland it’s first professional championship in 50 years.
So, knowing James track record when facing elimination, what should we expect on Sunday evening?
Well, we should expect to see more of the same. James has already been in full super-hero mode during this series. As of now, James has seemingly had to do everything himself in order to secure a victory for his team. In the pivotal game five, James made the game-saving block.
Then, just seconds later, he went down the court and nailed the game-winning shot.
That was just one instance in which James had to carry the Cavaliers in this series. In the three games that the Cavaliers have won, James has scored 122 of the teams 302 total points (40.3%). James also acquired 35 of the teams 112 rebounds (31%) and 20 of the teams 48 assists (41.6%).
In other words, this has been the least amount of help James has ever had in a playoff series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers must provide LeBron James with some help if they want any hope of advancing to the next round. James will certainly be ready to put up more staggering numbers in yet another elimination game.
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But his numbers will mean nothing if his team cannot help him secure the win.