LeBron James after Win vs. Nuggets: Game is "Probably at an All-Time High"
What's the story?
In a post-game interview with ESPN's Cassidy Hubbard, when asked about where he thinks his game currently is at, LeBron James replied: "Probably at an all-time high. Just because of my body, my mind, the way I go out and approach the game. And then, just by the grace of God, giving me the ability to do this. I'm blessed, and I never take this for granted."
In case you didn't know
LeBron is putting up his highest points per game tally since coming back to Cleveland for a second spell with the franchise at 27.0. He is also averaging his career-best regular season average for assists per game at 9.0. Thus, his statement is backed up statistically as well.
The heart of the matter
In a matchup that was a very good simulation of Playoff basketball, the Denver Nuggets ran the Cleveland Cavaliers mightily close after the Cavs shot to an early lead before things got tight in the 4th quarter with the Nuggets taking their first lead of the game in that period.
However, James took over as only he can in today's NBA, tightening the screws on the defensive end to wrest the lead back from the Nuggets. He finished off the game with two barely believable off-balance jump shots from the baseline, giving the Cavs a 5-point victory at 113-108.
This is LeBron's second game-winner in a month, with his last coming in a Herculean effort against Jimmy Butler's Timberwolves as the clock expired in overtime.
What's next?
The Cavaliers have tightened their hold on the third seed and are now 1.5 games ahead of both the Indiana Pacers and the Washington Wizards, who share 4th place in the Conference based on record. With a revamped starting lineup of George Hill, JR Smith, Rodney Hood, LeBron and Larry Nance Jr performing admirably, expect them to start the playoffs with a homecourt advantage.
Author's take
LeBron James is indeed playing some of the best basketball of his life. Now no longer having to share the ball with Uncle Drew in clutch time, the King leads the NBA in clutch scoring per 36 minutes at a whopping 45.7 points, with a field goal percentage of 55.4% in this period. With 14 years and 8 NBA Finals series of experience to back up his excellent play, LeBron is still the best player on the planet and any team facing the Cavs in the playoffs will always have one unstoppable force to reckon with.