LeBron

Not sure how many people were watching the finals last night, but LeBron put on a show. The Finals had actually gotten to be a little unwatchable. The Spurs were running all over the Jazz, while the Pistons and Cavs were trying to see who could score 80 in one game. Then came May 31st, 2007. This is a day that many will remember, not only Cavalier fans. LeBron has had his toughness questioned, his ability to close a game questioned, and his ability to be a finisher.

When you have the talent that LeBron has, everyone is going to expect greatness from you from the minute you step on the floor. Let's not forget, this kid is 22 and has not even hit his prime yet. He took a lot of grief over the game 1 and game 2 losses that were pinned solely on him. So what does he do to follow that up? He has solid games in game 3 and 4, and his supporting cast steps in and contributes as well. But, the questions still remain: Is he tough enough, can he close a game and be a finisher?

Well, after last night, those questions are answered. Last night, from the 4th quarter through the 2nd OT, he just could not be stopped. Everyone on the Pistons knew he was getting the ball, still couldn't stop him. Ilgauskas and Gibson foul out, taking away two of the Cavs scoring threats, yet the Pistons still couldn't stop him. He had multiple defenders on him, taking fadeway jumpers, driving to the rim, he couldn't be stopped. He took the Cavaliers on his back last night and drove them to a game 5 victory.

Watching that game last night was sort of surreal for me. I grew up in Chicago idolizing Michael Jordan, the real #23. So I was used to seeing efforts like that, just wasn't use to seeing them with any other name but Jordan on the back of the jersey. I always get sick of hearing "who will be the next Michael Jordan?" There will be no next, he is and will always be the greatest.

As I sat there last night watching this 22 year old take over a game of this magnitude, I started thinking.....I am watching this kid become a man right before my eyes. I've never liked the Pistons or the Cavs (probably the Bulls roots!), but I can always appreciate greatness when I see it.

Now, he still has to go out and lead his team to one more victory in order to get to the finals. He also can't be counted on to score the last 29 of his team's 30 points every night. Part of being great, is being able to count on your teammates to make big shots....just ask Steve Kerr or John Paxson.

Now, he isn't the next Micheal Jordan, that isn't fair to Michael or LeBron to make that comparison. What is he then? He's a kid that just answered a lot of questions, became tougher, and became a finisher. I just hope everyone got to witness that.