Detroit Needs to Change Their End of Game Defense on LeBron

by Brett Edwards

Much has been made of LeBron's decision to pass the ball out instead of taking the shot at the end of Game 1. I think he should have dunked it; others disagree. But enough of that. What I want to look at today is the poor defense that Detroit has displayed against LeBron this season in these types of situations.

First, let's check the video of the last game. The Cavs spread the floor, and allow LeBron to go one on one with Tayshaun Prince, right down the middle of the lane. Detroit's problem is that, while Prince is an excellent defender, James is too quick and ends up getting the step on him. Rasheed comes over to help, but if you look closely you'll see that he came over too late, and LeBron could have had a dunk had that been his choice.

This was very similar to what happened the last time the Cavs faced the Pistons in the regular season. Check out the first hightlight in this video. Cleveland was down two, they spread the floor, and LeBron blows by Tayshaun and Rasheed is late with the help. This time, LeBron dunks it and ties the game.

In Game 1 the Pistons were fortunate that they had shut down James all night, and by doing so had mentally taken him out of the game. So much so that if you look again at that first video, it appears that LeBron didn't even consider going up for the shot to tie it. I don't know if the Pistons will be able to completely shut down LeBron like that for the rest of the playoffs, so they really should look at changing up the way they defend him in the closing seconds.

How about running a double team at LeBron early in the shot clock to get the ball out of his hands? The Pistons need to come up with something, because that's two straight games that LeBron was able to get to the rim with the game on the line. In Game 1, LeBron passed it out and Donyell Marshall missed a wide open three pointer that could have won the game. Next time, Detroit may not be so fortunate.

Comments

[bhonjaze]

yeah, i think LeBron got demoralized by the fact that throughout that game he was shut down and denied to operate. after all that, he went on to settle with just passing to his teammates, which he did quite well by the way, and seemed to have gotten used to it that it came to that crucial play where he could have taken the shot easily. instead, he opted to kick it out for much lower percentage shot. not that i dont trust Marshall's shooting, but what was so clear at that particular instance was the game mode of LeBron. just for some reason, he may have forgotten that he was the go-to-guy, the one who should have taken that potential winner, the one who brings them a hot-off-the-grill game 1 ECF win -- all because he lost the appetite to shoot.

[AJ]

If LeBron would have went for his own shot, he probably would've been followed, sent to the line, and choked on at least one of his free throws.