Could LeBron James Still Rally And Lead Cleveland Cavaliers To A Championship?

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors and their fans can taste it. “One more win,” is the motto going into Game 6 at Quicken Loans Arena. Viewers would have to assume that the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans are grasping to any form of hope left, but one individual remains cool, calm, and collected; that is iconic LeBron James.

Following Game 5, and the Warriors third win of the series, James was spotted at the post-game interview with a nonchalant expression on his face. During the interview, James stated that he remains confidant due to one specific reason; the reason being that he is the best player in the world.

“I feel confident because I’m the best player in the world.” James continued, “It’s that simple.”

The statistics seem to prove the same statement. Throughout the Finals thus far, James has played in 226 minutes out of 300 total minutes. With the intensive time played, James has been no dud in statistics either. Through five games thus far, James is averaging 36.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. During Game 5, James was responsible for 70 of the 91 points scored, leaving his mark by either scoring or assisting on the given play.

James elaborated off of his previous statement by stating the following:

“You don’t let me have 40 [points],” James said. “I go get 40 [points].”

Flashback to Game 1, the world witnessed yet another downfall for the Cavaliers’ team due to point guard Kyrie Irving‘s knee injury, ultimately knocking him out of the Finals. James was no longer surrounded by All-Star caliber players, such as Irving and Kevin Love. No longer having an elite support cast, James would have to settle for role-players such as J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Timofey Mozgov, and Matthew Dellavedova.

Throughout the season, James was more than just a successful player and MVP candidate. James offered the Cavaliers, practically, an additional coach; a coach that would provide a view from, “the best player in the world.” The process has proven to be effective, and things won’t seem to change as the Cavaliers look to bounce back and take on the Warriors in Game 6.

There have been speculations as to if James could potentially win the Finals MVP even with the Cavaliers losing. The last player to do so was Jerry West of the 1969 Los Angeles Lakers.

Ideally, if one player would lead a team to a championship, even being down in the Finals series, one would assume it to be James, the self-proclaimed, and supported by many in retrospect, best player in the world. Although the Warriors are one win away, the Finals still has a ways to go, as long as James in on the court.