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Efficiency numbers put LeBron James in rare company
MIAMI – LeBron James needed a few days before he could appreciate the performance.
He became just the second player in NBA history to score at least 30 points with eight or more rebounds and assists while shooting 90 percent from the field.
James recorded the performance Monday against the Charlotte Bobcats, finishing with 31 points on 13 of 14 shooting and eight rebounds and eight assists in the 99-94 victory.
“It’s pretty cool when I didn’t know it hasn’t been done since Wilt did it,” James said. “I think he owns almost every efficiency stat that we have in mankind. … It’s pretty cool where you’re linked to one of the greatest.”
Chamberlain twice accomplished the feat, in 1966 and 1967. James is playing some of the most-efficient basketball of his career. He was shooting 60 percent in the 11 games prior to Wednesday.
“It’s kind of just the feel of the game and my read of how the defense is playing me and what our team particularly needs in that game,” James said of his recent efficiency. “I was able to get into the paint early in the game and make a few shots. … I just put a lot of pressure on their defense early.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said James continues to find ways to evolve his game.
“Everybody will try to come up with limitations for him,” Spoelstra said. “That’s the human condition from outside. I’ve been asked this question, ‘Is he playing too well? Is he doing too much? Should we craft a game where he doesn’t play as efficiently to save him so he’s not reaching his potential?’ … That logic doesn’t make sense. It just didn’t apply.”
By Shandel Richardson
