LeBron James was devastated when coach Ty Lue informed him, upon the completion of regulation of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, that Cleveland still had a timeout when time expired. The Cavs, of course, could have used that timeout while J.R. Smith was making one of the most bone-headed plays in NBA history.
Video of the Cavs' bench between regulation and overtime of Game 1 was widely shared on social media Monday, as the clip provided fans insight into just how much the timeout news destroyed LeBron. The man looked downright distraught as his teammates tried to console him.
Tuesday, a reporter asked James whether he thinks he should have tried to "pick up" his teammates more heading into OT. LeBron's reaction was priceless—and fair.
“We’re in the NBA Finals. How much more picking up teammates you want me to do?”#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/x0Dk8V1MSH
LeBron was obviously talking about the way he has carried both the emotional and physical load for his teammates for much of the regular season and playoffs.
King James has shouldered an absurd load through the postseason especially, piecing together arguably the greatest individual playoffs run in league history. Thus far, the 33-year-old is averaging 34.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.0 assists in 41.7 minutes per game.
He wasn't at his best in Game 2 of the Finals, but a so-so performance from LeBron is still incredible. He put up 29 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds.
His team has fallen in an 0-2 hole as the series heads to Cleveland for Game 3 Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST. It will air on ABC.
