Just Can't Stick up for LeBron Anymore

I could still argue after Game 3 that LeBron was doing enough that he didn't need to dominate the game in a scoring aspect for the Heat to win, but when the offense looked desperate and LeBron had zero to offer in the third straight fourth quarter blown lead, it's enough sticking up for him. While I do believe that fans and the media will look for any reason to give LeBron James a hard time, scoring four combined points in the fourth quarter of three straight NBA Finals games is atrocious.

When LeBron was asked about shrinking from the moment after a Game 3 win that came on the base of Dwyane Wade's scoring, and LeBron helping distribute and set the tone for the defense, LeBron reacted as if he's been the beast mode LeBron that everyone's come to…hate. Even if he's playing great defense, which he didn't do in the fourth quarter of Game 4, LeBron has been hailed one of the leagues greats because he can dominate both ends, he hasn't done anything remotely close to dominate the offensive end this series. He's kicking the ball out with less than five seconds to go on the shot clock, he's bombing long range jumpers instead of taking the ball to the rack, he's only attempted 14 free throws all series…he got to the line 13 times in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals!

The Heat have had the Mavericks beat in every single game they've played in the Finals, and the only reason this series isn't over, sweet Dirk Nowitzki aside, is that LeBron hasn't put his stamp on the game and he's tinkering with his chances at winning a championship. I don't think the two blown games will effect the Heat in the long run during the Finals, but unless LeBron James can make a difference in these games offensively, the Mavs have a lot of guys who want to take and make big shots. I'm hearing excuses that LeBron's exhausted from playing big minutes, Dirk's played just about as many minutes and has made the fourth quarters Dirk time, fever or not.

LeBron can defer to Wade in the fourth all he wants, but when Wade's already scored high 20's, low 30's, and LeBron's passing the ball to Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh of all people, he's not giving his team their best chance to win. Just like with Cleveland, LeBron's team wins when he takes games over…that's the whole point of being the best player in the NBA. Wade does it, Dirk does it, and up until these NBA Finals, LeBron did it too.

This isn't even about LeBron making the big shot anymore. LeBron has almost achieved a Jordan-like state in the NBA where he can win MVP every season and whatever team he's on will contend just because he's that good. This is hands down the biggest series of his controversial career and he's been that bad. LeBron has three games left to shut everyone up, if he doesn't, he won't get any more support from this apologist.