If you didn't know that LeBron James had zero championships and you didn't follow sports, then you would think that after yesterdays performance against the Pacers in game four that James would be considered the most loved figure in sports today. You would be wrong. Just one game following the Heat's most talked about loss since game six of the 2011 NBA Finals. James went off. If you didn't know that James was human you would think he was from the planet Krypton. James dominated the game scoring 40 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, and dishing 9 assist in a 101-93 win over the Pacers to even the series 2-2. Teammate Dwyane Wade added 30/9/6, a much sharper performance following his worst offensive performance in game three where he only scored 5 points and went 3/13 shooting.
LeBron James is by far the most scrutinized athlete in the NBA today. Which means that the sports media beast is fueled up and ready to rip into him if the Heat collapse in the conference semis. That indeed was the case following game three. James' showing Sunday however did something to curb his critics for a minute. Prior to game three everyone was counting the Heat out against Indiana. The Heat were as exposed as ever in game three and for the first time people really started to believe that Miami was just not that good of a team.
James was right in the middle despite the drama Wade created standing up his head coach provoked by his inability to score the basketball. The world was crashing down around the Heat and Indiana looked like they could run away with the series.
The fact is that LeBron James is still reigning MVP and can take over a series better then anyone. Reference the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, when James destroyed the Pistons by himself. James and Wade combined are good enough to power the Heat past the Pacers while Chris Bosh is out. James was able to take game four over and in doing so allowed Wade to play his game and gain confidence in his sot again.
Moving ahead to game five. The talk will be aimed at Miami and if they get it done. There is no doubt that anything short of a championship for James and the Heat will be a bust. LeBron James has an opportunity to be special. The stage going forward is set. Tied 2-2 with the young Pacers, his team seemingly falling apart, and one of their stars out. LeBron can silence everyone if he is able to find a way to lock up the title, but they have to silence the Pacers first.
James will go on to take this series over. He looks different. He hasn't allowed Danny Granger and the Pacers to get in his head, showing us all that he is completely focused. The Pacers will continue to be physical in an attempt to show that they don't fear the Heat, but after game four they probably do.
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