LeBron James is really, really good in elimination games. Let’s remember how good.
James has been in this situation 21 times before. He wins more often than not.
LeBron James will play in his 22nd career elimination game, according to Basketball-Reference, against the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ conference finals series. To the surprise of absolutely nobody, he’s really good in these situations.
James has won 12 of the 21 elimination games he’s played, most famously mounting a comeback down 3-1 in the finals against the Golden State Warriors and their unanimous MVP Stephen Curry in 2016. His efficiency has been up-and-down, but what we know is that Possible Elimination James is a much different beast than the already explosive Playoff James.
Celtics fans should be worried heading into Game 6, where The King will have every opportunity he wants to dismantle his opponent. It’s been eight years since LeBron’s missed the finals, and there’s no indication he’s ready to concede now.
He’s been here before.
Here’s how LeBron’s team’s elimination games have ended (wins in italics)
- 2006, Pistons beat Cavs in Game 7, Conference semis
- 2007, Spurs beat Cavs in Game 7, Finals
- 2008, Cavs beat Celtics in Game 6, Conference semis
- 2008, Celtics beat Cavs in Game 7, Conference semis
- 2009, Cavs beat Magic in Game 6, Conference finals
- 2009, Magic beat Cavs in Game 7, Conference finals
- 2010, Celtics beat Cavs in Game 6, Conference semis
- 2011, Mavs beat Heat in Game 6, Finals
- 2012, Heat beat Celtics in Game 6, Conference finals
- 2012, Heat beat Celtics in Game 7, Conference finals
- 2013, Heat beat Pacers in Game 7, Conference finals
- 2013, Heat beat Spurs in Game 6, Finals
- 2013, Heat beat Spurs in Game 6, Finals
- 2014, Spurs beat Heat in Game 5, Finals
- 2015, Warriors beat Cavs in Game 6, Finals
- 2016, Cavs beat Warriors in Game 5, Finals
- 2016, Cavs beat Warriors in Game 6, Finals
- 2016, Cavs beat Warriors in Game 7, Finals
- 2017, Cavs beat Warriors in Game 4, Finals
- 2017, Warriors beat Cavs in Game 5, Finals
- 2018, Cavs beat Pacers in Game 7, First Round
Here’s a look at each of LeBron’s stats in elimination games
LeBron averages 33 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block in elimination games. This is his production in each individual game.
If LeBron goes down, he goes down swinging
For his entire career, James averages 21 shots per game in the postseason, which is of course the lion’s share that any superstar of his caliber should be taking. With the season on the line, he’s known to take over, averaging more than 24.
James has taken more than his average number of shots in 17 of 21 elimination games, firing 30 or more in four. Teams should be terrified when James’ back is against the wall, because that’s when he’s his most aggressive self.
That doesn’t mean LeBron steps away from his role as an elite passer. He still averages slightly more than his career benchmark seven assists per game at 7.3. He posted double-digit numbers in seven games.
The ball is always in LeBron’s hands when a year’s work is at stake.
LeBron hardly leaves the court, either
James averages 45 minutes on the court in his 21 elimination games, and has logged that or more in 14 of them.
If he can go all 48, he will. He proved that in a Game 7 Heat win over the Celtics in 2012.
LeBron’s body has show over the years that it has few limits.
So what should the Celtics expect from LeBron going into Game 6?
A human wrecking ball going all out.
James knows this could be his last game in Cleveland with free agency looming, and a loss will snap his seven consecutive trips to the finals streak. After all the ups and downs of the season, including his team trading half of the roster in February and the departure of Kyrie Irving last summer, James isn’t going to let the season die without his full effort.
Especially at home.