Lakers star feels Indiana should have fouled to prevent the game-tying shot.
LeBron James is no stranger to crucial moments. The Lakers superstar, who has survived numerous nail-biters during the regular season and playoffs, has a strategy for every situation. And, while he’s not laced up for the 2024 NBA Playoffs, he’s keeping an eye on the action from home.
Following Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron couldn’t help but criticize the Indiana Pacers’ defensive plan in the waning seconds of regulation. The Pacers led 117-114 with 8.1 seconds remaining. The Celtics were inbounding from the baseline, and everyone in the crowd knew it was crunch time.
LeBron came to Twitter to criticize the Pacers for not fouling the Celtics when they had the opportunity. “Foul up 3!” he tweeted loudly, reflecting a strategy that has become second nature for many teams in similar situations. The principle is simple: fouling prevents the trailing team from tying the game with a three-pointer. Instead, you make the last moments into a free-throw competition.
But the Pacers did not take that counsel. They let the clock run down, and Jaylen Brown capitalized, nailing a game-tying shot with 6.0 seconds remaining. The game went into overtime, and the Celtics eventually won, gaining a key 1-0 series lead. LeBron doubles down, citing the “Mind the Game” podcast with JJ Redick.
LeBron’s comments did not end there. He mentioned his recent appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast with JJ Redick, when he covered the complexities of defending a three-point lead in the final seconds of a game. It’s obvious that LeBron, a potential Hall of Famer, would have handled the situation differently if he were on the court.
While it’s easy to play armchair quarterback from home, LeBron’s track record in big occasions gives credence to his criticism. Meanwhile, the Pacers are left to wonder what could have happened if they had heeded the advise of one of the game’s finest.
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