LeBron James, after experiencing his second NBA Finals loss in four years in 2014, returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers determined to secure a championship for his hometown franchise. Having been selected as the #1 pick by the Cavaliers in 2003, James invested tremendous effort to elevate the team’s performance and position them for victory against the Warriors in 2016. Nonetheless, reports suggest that during Game 7, then-head coach Tyronn Lue had to implore James for a final surge to seal the win.
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LeBron James displayed remarkable leadership in the 2015 Finals, leading the Cavaliers to Game 6 against the formidable Warriors despite missing key players due to injuries. The following year, with Irving and Love back, it seemed like James would face a five-game defeat. However, the team achieved an unprecedented comeback from a 3-1 deficit, securing the championship. In a pivotal moment with the series tied 3-3, coach Tyronn Lue relentlessly pushed James to give his all.
Doris Burke reminisces Ty Lue pushing LeBron James for more in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals
In her appearance on JJ Redick’s The Old Man and The Three podcast, veteran NBA analyst and announcer, Doris Burke, revealed some untouched 2016 Finals moments.
One of them was about a timeout late in the game, in which Ty Lue was pleading with LeBron James in the huddle, for a final push in the game to bring home the championship.
“I remember being in the last huddle, and Tyronn Lue, in Game 7, is just pleading for more from LeBron James. And I was like, ‘How much do you expect LeBron James to give you dude?’” said Burke.
James dominated the series by leading in scoring, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, surpassing every statistical category of both teams. The revelation of Lue’s continuous push for more provides valuable insight into the reliance coaches place on their superstar players, even with talented players like Kyrie in the supporting role.
Burke also discussed the progression of her emotional reaction while speaking with James, noting that initially, only those familiar with her personally took notice of her choking up. However, her emotional response gained significant traction on the internet, ultimately reaching a widespread audience.
LeBron believes the 2016 title ascertained his claim as the GOAT
“At that moment I was like I’m the greatest basketball player people have ever seen. … Doing something that’s never been done in the history of the sport.” 🐐 @KingJames sits down with @TheJetonTNT to discuss what makes a GOAT pic.twitter.com/KcbU4HfPuU
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 21, 2022
Following his historic achievement in orchestrating the first-ever 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals, LeBron James, a four-time champion, began to embrace the belief that he was the GOAT.
“That moment I was like I am the greatest basketball player people have ever seen in all the facets. Like I can play 1 to 5, I can guard 1 to 5, just literally like doing something that’s never been done in the history of the sport,” James said in an interview with TNT’s Kenny “the Jet” Smith.
