[Gotham Dark Knight]

Lebron James made a winning shot in the final seconds for the first time in his career, hitting a jumper with 0.9 seconds left in overtime of the Cavaliers' 120-118 victory over Charlotte on Wednesday night. He finished with 37 points and his ninth career triple-double.

So what's up with Lebron...isn't this dude in the running for MVP? Why hasn't he hit a game winner before? Does he not take the final shot ever?

[daviohead]

They'll never give the MVP award to a 21-year-old on a 45-win team. Although, with the possible exception of Kobe, he's obviously the most important player to his team.
As far as being clutch, he might not completely established himself by beating the Bobcats in March, but it might give the Cavs another idea. He hasn't had many game winners because they almost always set a high screen for Lebron at the end of games, and it makes him easy to double team. Hence all of the passes at the end of games.
In the Charlotte game, however, LeBron actually told Mike Brown he would take the shot, and created for himself on an iso play. Maybe from now on, the Cavs will adopt this end-of-game strategy. It seems reasonable, since a contested 20-footer by James is usually a higher-percentage shot than an open three by Flip Murray or Sasha Pavlovic.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by daviohead

They'll never give the MVP award to a 21-year-old on a 45-win team. Although, with the possible exception of Kobe, he's obviously the most important player to his team.
As far as being clutch, he might not completely established himself by beating the Bobcats in March, but it might give the Cavs another idea. He hasn't had many game winners because they almost always set a high screen for Lebron at the end of games, and it makes him easy to double team. Hence all of the passes at the end of games.
In the Charlotte game, however, LeBron actually told Mike Brown he would take the shot, and created for himself on an iso play. Maybe from now on, the Cavs will adopt this end-of-game strategy. It seems reasonable, since a contested 20-footer by James is usually a higher-percentage shot than an open three by Flip Murray or Sasha Pavlovic.

Now see...a guy who understands the game...or at leasts the ends and outs of Lebron and the Cavs...good job my man, and welcome aboard...

[Yougottawanna]

LeBron has always been able to create for himself, and hasn't had a problem with pressure that I've noticed. I don't think this "first game-winner" thing is as much of a milestone as it's made out to be (but then, I also think that people get too preoccupied with whether players are clutch or not clutch.......)

[rmjvol]

Welcome to GoTeamsGo, Yougottawanna

Look forward to chatting with you.

[Lefty Noob]

A clutch player doesn't have to take the game-winning shot to be a clutch player. If the guy draws a double or triple team and creates an open shot for someone else, then so be it. Make the pass and give your teammate the chance to hit the open J. Hell, LeBron's not Kobe, ya know!

[pete_b]

This at least brought LeBron a little closer to the disappointment of not getting the mvp. I agree with you that they will never give the mvp to 21 year old with a 45 win team. Today against the Heat LeBron had his TENTH triple double. I guess this means he is for real. It almost seems like he isnt even trying.