Sometimes, there are moments in a basketball game that leave you in awe, with your jaw dropped and absolutely speechless. Well, that happened last night at the end of Game 2 of the Cavaliers/Magic Conference Finals.
For those who’ve watched Game 1 of this series, the Orlando Magic have definitely given the seemingly invincible Cavaliers a tough time, and that didn’t stop in Game 2. Down 0-1 already, the Cavs had their backs up against the wall with 1 second left, after Hedo Turkoglu nails a jumper to put Orlando up 95-93.
The thought of going down 0-2. Only 1 lone second left on the shot clock. A blown 23 point halftime lead. Things did not look good. Well, until Lebron James touched the ball. That’s when one of those goosebump moments happened.
First of all let me say a couple of things just to prove this is an unbiased comment.
1) This was truly an awesome shot.
2) I like LeBron James more than Kobe Bryant.
Now, let me also say this. LeBron is not the best player in the league… yet. Kobe still holds that title. Kobe has that killer instinct that Lebron has not yet shown me. Rewind to the playoffs last year… How many finger rolls and layups did LeBron miss when going to the rack down the stretch?
Let’s fast forward to game 4 of the current series. LeBron hit yet another awesome three ball, but it was too little too late. How many threes did he jack up before that and miss? At least 3 or 4 if I remember correctly. And I’m not talking the entire game, I mean over a small span of time down the stretch.
And yes, in game 4 he hit two clutch free throws to send it to OT, but was it game 3 or 4 that he missed about 4 free throws down the stretch?
I like LeBron, I really do. I like him more than Kobe. But lately, it’s disappointing that he can’t put games away. It’s not that I don’t like him that has prompted these views, it’s that I do and I want him to get to that next level. But he’s just not there yet.
@Michael: I’m homegrown from Cleveland, as you know, and obviously love the Cavs and Lebron James. That said, I still have to agree with you. Though, I think Lebron is the best player in the game, Kobe is by far the best closer. He can hit any shot at any time, and you can be confident in saying that. Where Lebron, does it on and off but not with that killer instinct, as you said. He’ll definitely get there, but he’s got a couple years until he’s that ‘deadly assassin’ like Kobe. Thanks for the comment man!
Best player = LBJ
Who would I want taking a last shot? Kobe.
That being said, that was probably the most amazing shot I’ve seen in the past 10 years. Not the best shot or most clutch, but most amazing.
However, if Cleveland doesn’t win, will we remember? MJ’s shot over Ehlo (sorry Sonny) was in a winning effort. That’s what makes up remember it, the Bulls won the series. If the Cavs don’t win the series, that’ll simply be another great play in by the best player in the league.