LeBron James has shown basketball fans everything. Step-back 3-pointers, fadeaways, powerful slams, fright train-like drives, name it and the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar has done it.
When it comes to crucial moments, it’s only natural for James to go to his familiar weapons as they present the higher success rate. In Game 3 of the Cavs’ Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Toronto Raptors, the four-time MVP went with a shot that is extremely unfamiliar to him when the moment demanded zero errors from himself.
With eight seconds left in the game, score tied, James drove to the left wing and took a difficult runner while fading. His shot found the glass and went to the hoop with no time remaining, sealing the Raptors’ fate on the night.
How rare was that shot from the Cavs star? Second Spectrum dug up some data that reveals how many times James had made such a shot.
LeBron James’ buzzer-beater was just the 3rd time all season (regular season and playoffs combined) that he’s made a floating bank shot from the left wing.
It appears that James’ confidence took over the numbers that stacked against his favor as took that shot. The Cavs are looking like an entirely different team as others are stepping up to the plate while James does his usual elite work in leading Cleveland.
