Though he has officially gone Zero Dark Thirty-23, LeBron James must have gotten some sense that the doubters were out in full force after the Cavaliers lost to the Pacers in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series.
Regardless of what tipped him off (perhaps it was his coach, Tyronn Lue, telling reporters he needed to be more assertive), James appeared to enter Wednesday's Game 2 matchup with the full intention of reminding everyone of his greatness.
We think Bron is ready.pic.twitter.com/KEllgyryJP
— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) April 18, 2018
SHEESH pic.twitter.com/tR80VHGlCz
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 18, 2018
This is the 1,362nd game of LeBron's career.
— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2018
Tonight is the most points (16) he has EVER scored in the first 5 minutes of any game. pic.twitter.com/XJVSCG2ezS
It's quite astounding how, after 15 seasons in the NBA, James can still reach new heights. He finished with 20 points in the period; if he can maintain the pace, fans might see one of the greatest postseason performances.
NBA PLAYOFFS: Scores, schedule, live updates
Of course, this has led some to wonder where this effort was in Game 1. Ravens safety Tony Jefferson has a theory.
Bruh haha I honestly feel like lebron allowed last game to happen on purpose . He literally can score every possession . Think he just wanted to find out what players on his team he could depend on during playoffs & sent them to the bench if they weren’t ready.
— Tony Jefferson (@_tonyjefferson) April 18, 2018