Kyle Korver is very aware of the heavy load LeBron James has carried for this Cleveland Cavaliers team in the first round, taking an unprepared roster on his broad shoulder and propelling it with three 40-plus-point performances over seven games to squeak past a threatening Indiana Pacers side.
The marksman, who only mustered three points in a pivotal Game 7 on Sunday, noted his teammate was being under-appreciated for his greatness, comparing him to former teammate Allen Iverson.
“Allen Iverson used to say, ‘You know how hard it is to shoot 30 shots a game? You know how much energy it takes to shoot 30 shots a game?’ And it’s true,” Korver said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “A lot of us don’t understand: To create that many shots takes a lot of energy. Bron’s doing that, plus he’s doing so many other things. I don’t think he’s appreciated enough for just how much energy he puts into every single game to do what he does. It’s just unbelievable.”
The motto has been as James goes, this team goes and it hasn’t been any more evident than in this series.
The Cavs are 4-0 when James shoots over 50 percent and 0-3 when he doesn’t.
Following a surprise Game 1 loss in home confines, James noticed pulling off a triple-double wouldn’t be enough to neutralize this Pacers side, turning his scoring gear up another few notches, attempting 22 or more field goals in five of his next six games.
The result? Only 46, 44, and 45 points scored in three of the Cavs wins, including Sunday’s do-or-die scenario that allowed Cleveland to see the next round.