The NBA may be trending more and more towards the 3-point line, but LeBron James says to hell with what the numbers say.
James was critical about the notion of analytics while watching Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum torch the Nuggets down the stretch with a number of mid-range jumpers.
That’s exactly why I don’t wanna hear all that analytics talk! In PLAYOFF games when it usually come down to 1/2 possession games down the stretch, just get me bucket! The best shot during that possession. And if it’s a Pull-up 2 then so be it cause it was the best SHOT!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2019
Portland would go on to win Game 7 and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
McCollum scored 37 points on 17-of-29 shooting, but he only made one 3-pointer for the entire game. As James seemed to indicate, McCollum dominated in the mid-range.
In the last three minutes alone, McCollum made three 16-foot pull-up jumpers, including a bucket with just over 12 seconds to play that gave the Blazers a three-point lead. In all, 7-of-17 made baskets came via mid-range jumpers as McCollum created space at will.
While C.J. was busy cooking the Nuggets from intermediate range, the Nuggets went freezing cold from beyond the arc. Denver missed their last 17 3-pointers, failing to climb back into the game after blowing as much as 17 points.
LeBron James makes a good point in this case, especially considering that it was a win-or-go-home situation. The best players will find a way to score regardless of “percentages.” And as has been established, that mid-range had been McCollum's highest percentage shot all afternoon long.
Of course, the Blazers now move on to face the defending champions Golden State Warriors, featuring arguably the two best shooters in league history. But analytics be damned, McCollum and crew will be giving their all to reach the NBA Finals.
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