In both Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals, LeBron James has appeared to slow down in the fourth quarter.
In the just under 15 fourth quarter minutes he’s played, James has scored a grand total of four points and grabbed one rebound. For comparison, Kevin Durant, whom James has often found himself guarding, has scored 17 points and snatched six rebounds in just over 16 minutes.
Based on those numbers, it wouldn’t be wild to assume that guarding Durant, as well as being responsible for carrying the Cavs offensive load, has been taking a toll on James, and affecting him at the end of games. When asked about his fatigue ahead of Game 3, LeBron dismissed that notion, pointing to the fact that he’s averaging a triple-double so far in the series.
LeBron James says guarding Kevin Durant doesn’t take a toll
“Do I look tired? I’m averaging a triple-double in the Finals. I’m pretty good.” pic.twitter.com/W6WKOU2Fes— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) June 7, 2017