So far this postseason, LeBron James has been unstoppable. From taking control of games, to simply dominating his opponents, James is playing like a true MVP. After sweeping the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, the Cleveland Cavaliers look set to do the same to the Boston Celtics. Currently leading 2-0, with two straight home games on the way, James and the Cavaliers appear unbeatable. However, it seems that James’s work isn’t appreciated by all. Every season, the NBA media votes on the league’s most prestigious awards. From the regular season MVP to the All-NBA teams, the media decides. Recently, the NBA announced the association’s All-NBA first, second and third teams. The dominant James may have been surprised by the results.
LeBron James Proving Unquestionable Value in NBA Playoffs
Eastern Conference Finals (Games 1 and 2)
To say this series has been a mismatch so far is an understatement. The gulf in talent is clear as day, with the Celtics being beaten in every area. Not only are the Cavaliers dominant, but James is putting on a show every night. In Game 1, James put up 38 points and seven assists. Game 2 saw the King rack up 30 points and seven assists, leading Cleveland in both categories for the second straight contest. Furthermore, the Cavaliers star has led the team in scoring in all but one playoff game this postseason.
The Non-Unanimous Vote
Now, back to the point at hand. James has arguably been the NBA’s best player for the last 10 years. Despite bringing his best every season, James seems allergic to the regular season MVP award. This is because we’ve all gotten used to James’s greatness. Elite performances by the 13-time All-Star just seem to be the norm.
When the NBA announced this season’s All-NBA teams, James, as one would expect, found himself on the All-NBA First Team. However, the Akron, Ohio, native was a non-unanimous selection. This would come as a shock to some, especially with James in such dominant form. James received 99 out of 100 First Team votes. He was joined by Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, with the OKC star also receiving 99 First Team votes. Houston Rockets guard James Harden was the only unanimous First Team selection – a decision that would disappoint some, but not all.
Now, when we look at what James is doing, compared to Harden in the playoffs, who should really have been the unanimous selection?
Jaylen Brown and Bradley Beal Should Know Better
One player who called out the three-time NBA champion was Celtics rookie Jaylen Brown. Brown was quoted as saying “LeBron’s a good player, but I look at him as just a regular guy,” in an interview with The Celtics on CSN. That night, the Cavaliers thrashed Boston 130-86, in a game which was over before half-time. Next time, Brown should think before he speaks and remember that for the next two games, he’s still a rookie.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal went after the team more so than James. Now, Beal should know better and be more aware of his situation. The Wizards were outed by the hapless Celtics in the previous round. Despite taking the Celtics to seven games, Washington missed its best chance in years to reach the Conference Finals. Beal felt the need to call out the Cavaliers in a very confusing way. Beal was quoted as saying “Cleveland didn’t want to see us. I always said that. I felt like that’s the reason they didn’t play us in the second round.” That’s a confusing statement, seeing as the Wizards couldn’t beat a team that the Cavaliers appear ready to dispatch.
One Cavalier didn’t appreciate Beal’s comments. As one would expect, guard J.R. Smith had to have his say on the matter:
If you don't knock it off! Win game 7 an then talk. Till then sit home an enjoy the show! https://t.co/aZkZ7Lpi4u
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) May 20, 2017
Cleveland is on a collision course to play the Golden State Warriors for the third year in a row. James and the Cavaliers are taking everything that teams are throwing at them and hitting it out of the park, as a once cursed team looks to go back-to-back for the first time in franchise history.
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