After getting swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey admitted that LeBron James is a totally different player right now.
As reported by Ashley Bastock of NEO Sports Insiders, Casey discussed James’ in-season evolution by comparing his form in the regular season and in the playoffs.
“He’s just like a different person now than he was at that time early in the season”
“He’s playing at an elite level. I haven’t seen this as a coach before and I’ve been doing this [for a] long time. That in itself is the difference, I think.”
Below is the full clip where Casey discussed how James elevated his teammates’ game. He also praised Kevin Love raising his game in the playoffs:
Statistics back up Casey’s claims on James. In the regular season, wherein he played and started in all 82 games, the Cavs star averaged 27.5 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.6 rebounds in 36.9 minutes per game. In the playoffs, James is punching in 34.8 points, 9.5 points, and 8.8 assists in 41.7 minutes nightly. Like fine wine, James gets better as he ages.
Casey showed great sportsmanship and class by admitting defeat and praising the opposing side for a job well done. For the past seasons, they have not figured out a proper formula to beat the mighty Cavaliers. And due to this, his future remains uncertain in Toronto. A top candidate for Coach of the Year, the grapevine says that the 61-year-old — who’s been with the Raptors for seven years — will be sacked.
