Pressure’s on James, Cavaliers in Game 6 vs. Celtics

James had a strong double-double of 26 points on 11-for-22 shooting to go with 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

If the Cavaliers win game six the series will be decided with a game seven on Sunday. “I’m pretty sure a lot of guys are exhausted”. “I didn’t mention the fatigue, either”. I know it’s coming.

In a closeout game six, you better believe he is going to bring something special, because he has never been anything short of spectacular in closeout games. “But there’s no question in my mind he’ll bounce back tomorrow”.

Historically, teams with a 3-2 series lead and home-court advantage move on to the NBA Finals 89 percent of the time, putting James and the Cavaliers in an obvious pickle. And if he didn’t have a team full of guys who are really good players and with two All-Stars, he could easily have won Rookie of the Year.

Asked about the energy level of James, who finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 turnovers, Lue responded, “He looked a little exhausted to me”. We have seen James defend Boston’s perimeter 1-2 punch of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, a pair of young, athletic wing players who have been aggressive going at James and his teammates. If he does, this series won’t just rank as an accomplishment for James – it will be one of his best.

A hoard of Celtics surrounded the players before wrapping up Morris and keeping him away from Nance. They outrebounded the Cavaliers, 45-39, and were more careful with the ball.

The Cavaliers committed 15 turnovers. There is a greater than even chance the Cavs do not advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, and James does not advance to the last round for the first time since 2010. First, they’ll have to win a road playoff game which they have done only once in seven tries thus far.

His 27.5 ppg are the most since 2011-12, his 9.1 apg are the most ever for James, and his 8.6 rpg match last year’s career-high. They say they don’t think about free agency or trade rumors.

Getting off to a fast start in Games 3 and 4 allowed the Cavaliers to rest James at times. “It’s given him an opportunity to make fail plays or make mistakes and be able to learn from them and still be able to be on the floor”.

After the game, a reporter asked James about how he felt, which he seemed happy to address. Tatum added seven rebounds, four assists and four steals one day after finishing a single vote shy of a unanimous selection to the NBA’s All-Rookie team.

Can the Cavs extend the series and force a Game 7 in Boston? “We gotta get one more, though”.

James denied he was sick, but had “moments” of being exhausted.

“I’m fine”, he told the press corps. “One of you guys did”.