Heading to Toronto up 2-0, it looked like LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers were on their way to a third consecutive sweep.
However, the Raptors shocked many by winning the next two games at home and coming back to Cleveland tied at two games apiece. While some might in Cleveland might worry about a potential collapse, James preached the importance of staying calm prior to Wednesday’s crucial Game 5 in Cleveland.
“Just a sense of calmness,” James, speaking after the Cavs’ shootaround Wednesday morning, said of his mindset in preparation for Game 5. “That’s all. Just a very calm moment for myself, personally. I relish this opportunity to be a part of the postseason once again, to be 2-2 on my home floor, so, a sense of calmness.”
Looking at James’ track record, it is no surprise that he is telling reporters that he is looking forward to this opportunity. James has played in 12 Game 5s during his career where the series was tied 2-2. In those games, James is averaging 32 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists. He is also 17-0 in series where his team wins the first two games.
Much like his previous Game 5s, James has done his part in this series. In the Cavs’ Game 4 loss in Toronto, James scored 29 points in 46 minutes. The rest of his team, however, has struggled. Cleveland shot 3-of-22 from 3-point range in the first half of Monday’s loss. Forward Kevin Love also did not play in the fourth quarter for the second consecutive game, citing a foot injury.
Either way, James has to hope that the rest of the team follows his allegedly calm persona in Game 5. So far, neither Cleveland nor Toronto has won on the road in this series. So, a Raptor win in Game 5 could be a possible shot in the Cavs’ title hopes.
[ESPN]
