5 reasons the Cavaliers can pull off an impossible Finals comeback
1. The King
Never doubt LeBron James. Whether he’s the best to ever live is a debate for another time. For now, just enjoy his greatness.
Even if the Warriors win the series, there’s a case James should win Finals MVP. If the 2015 Finals taught us anything, it’s that the best player in the series doesn’t win MVP if his team loses. But just because that is the case, that doesn’t mean it should be. Kevin Durant has been magnificent. James has been God-like.
During Game 4, James had another triple-double, his third of the series. With that triple-double, the King passed Magic Johnson for most triple-doubles in NBA Finals history. Only three players have actually averaged a triple-double in the entirety of the postseason: Russell Westbrook (2017), Jason Kidd (2007) and Oscar Robertson (1962). James? He’s gotten close, six times.
Back in 2007 when Kidd averaged a triple-double in the postseason, only four players had ever averaged a triple-double in a playoff series. Westbrook achieved the feat in the first round of this year’s payoffs as well. Through four games, James is averaging a triple-double in the Finals. Yes, in the Finals. How remarkable is that?
James has had to put his team on his back against quite possibly the best team ever assembled. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love provided little-to-no help to James in Games 1 and 2, but they’ve gradually gotten better. In Game 4, James’ team stepped up enough to even win a game.
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If the pattern of gradually getting better continues, the Cavs have a real shot at winning this thing. LeBron (despite what Paul Pierce says) is the best player on the planet. Period. The best player on the planet is a nice luxury to have when you find yourself down 3-1 in a series.