At this point, everyone should already realize that LeBron James typically coasts through the regular season to conserve his energy for the post-season. Although James was still putting up tremendous numbers, it’s quite obvious that he wasn’t as aggressive during the season as he has been the past four weeks during the playoffs.
Regular season versus playoffs
During the season, he was averaging 26.4 points, 8.7 assists, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 54.8 percent shooting from the field and 36.3 percent shooting from three-point distance.
In eight playoff games, he has been averaging 34.4 points, nine rebounds, 7.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks on 55.7 percent shooting from the field and 46.8 percent shooting from three-point range. There is a major increase in his scoring numbers, which indicates that LeBron is attacking the paint more often.
Dwane Casey praises LeBron James
After being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday afternoon, Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey praised James for his ability to raise his level of play during the post-season. “Any time you got number 23, you can flip any switch you want,” Casey said after the Game 4 loss. “He’s the difference. They did flip a switch. They’re a totally different team defensively and offensively…”
Coach Casey is absolutely correct.
The Cavaliers were a different team during the regular season, basically coasting and were comfortable with the record they possessed. They didn’t really care if they seeded second in the East, knowing that they can flip the switch during the playoffs and beat any team.
James’ dominance may force Kyle Lowry out of Toronto
Since James has been so dominant during the playoffs, Raptors star Kyle Lowry may consider leaving Toronto to join a Western Conference team.
Lowry also praised LeBron, saying that he is in his prime and will be dominating the league for a long time.
DeMar DeRozan also praised LeBron
In addition to Lowry and Coach Casey, DeMar DeRozan has also praised LeBron on multiple occasions, most recently telling the public that if they had James on their team, they would have won.
It’s safe to say that the Raptors have been overwhelmed by James and company over the last two seasons. Last year, they lost to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games, and this season they were swept.
Now that the Cavaliers have swept another opponent, they will earn a long rest before facing off against the winner between the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, who are tied two apiece in their series.
