Cleveland: LeBron James has insisted for years he is a better player following the All-Star break than he is before. While the numbers historically dispute that (they’re about the same), that certainly has been the case this season.
James has been on a tear for weeks and he’s showing no signs of slowing down now. He was named the Eastern Conference player of the week on Monday, his second such award in as many weeks and his third since the start of March. It’s a formality at this point he will win the player of the month for March, just as he also won it for February.
Ballots for Most Valuable Player were distributed Monday, but James’ terrific push is likely too little, too late. Steph Curry remains the runaway favorite to repeat, but James is averaging 25.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.4 assists since the All-Star break. In his last seven games, James is averaging 28.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists.
“I’m ready for whatever level comes at me,” James said. “I feel great, best I’ve felt in the last couple years and continue to lead this team in the right direction.”
James has reiterated for weeks he feels great physically. If the wounded version of him that needed two weeks off in the middle of last season could drag the Cavaliers within two wins of a championship, what can a healthy James with ample help accomplish? The Cavs will soon find out. With the final road trip of the regular season beginning Tuesday at the Milwaukee Bucks, James proclaimed the Cavs ready for the postseason — blemishes and all.
“If [the playoffs] started tomorrow,” James said, “we’d be ready to go.”
James on Monday was also nominated for the J. Walter Kelly Award, the highest honor given by the Pro Basketball Writers Association to a player, coach or trainer who demonstrates outstanding service and dedication to the community.
James was nominated for his extensive work changing the lives of youth through the LeBron James Family Foundation along with his annual charity events during All-Star weekends. He is one of four nominees along with Brooklyn Nets guard Wayne Ellington, Indiana Pacers guard George Hill, Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul and Washington Wizards guard John Wall.
Record breaker
J.R. Smith is three 3-point baskets shy of becoming the Cavs’ franchise leader for a single season. He enters Tuesday’s game at the Milwaukee Bucks with a career-high 190 3s this season, two shy of the franchise record Wes Person set during the 1997-98 season.
Smith’s reputation as a 3-point shooter is preceded only by his reputation off the court. But Richard Jefferson said he believes that can be overblown.
“Reputation is something that’s made up by the media and disgruntled ex-girlfriends,” he said. “There’s a difference between your character and your reputation. Your character is who you really are.”
Smith, who left the arena Sunday without speaking to reporters, matched his season high with 27 points in the win against the Charlotte Hornets. His previous high of 189 3-pointers in a season was set two years ago, his last full season with the Knicks.
“That’s what he does. That’s who he is,” Jefferson said. “His 3-point shooting is like [Tristan Thompson’s] energy, it’s like LeBron’s athleticism. It’s [Kyrie Irving’s] ball handling. That’s what makes him unique and special. We’re not surprised he’s doing it.”
Jason Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Cavs blog at www.ohio.com/cavs. Follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/JasonLloydABJ.