LeBron James is over analytics. The face of the NBA launched a war against numbers after watching C.J. McCollum drop a long two-pointer — dubbed the worst shot by analytics gurus — in the final seconds Sunday to secure the Portland Trail Blazers’ Game 7 win over the Denver Nuggets. “That’s exactly why I don’t wanna hear all that analytics talk! In PLAYOFF games when it usually come down to 1/2 possession games down the stretch, just get me bucket! The best shot during that possession. And if it’s a Pull-up 2 then so be it cause it was the best SHOT!” LeBron tweeted while sitting out the postseason for the first time since 2005. McCollum, though, didn’t really miss from anywhere, as he poured in a game-high 37 points to lift the Blazers into a Western Conference Final showdown against the Golden State Warriors. Fellow star Dame Lillard, meanwhile, was off in a 13-point effort. The value of long two-pointers has long been debated, as the 3-point trend continues to take over. The Rockets, for instance, averaged 45.39 3-pointers per game this season, an NBA record, topping their historic marks the past two years. But LeBron isn’t having it — at least for now. “When y’all want to talk REAL basketball let me know,” the King added with a grinning emoji.<doc-sep>LeBron James’ streak of NBA postseason appearances ended this year, which has, in turn, given LeBron time to take in his son’s basketball games, the Lakers’ turmoil and … the rest of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers star was especially into Sunday’s Game 7 between the Trail Blazers and Nuggets. He watched as C.J. McCollum put up 37 points in the comeback win. LeBron also may have dabbled with some light tampering. After the game, LeBron took to Twitter and posted a series of tweets about the Trail Blazers guard. One took an odd swipe at basketball analytics. But really, LeBron complimented McCollum on his performance and even tweeted directly at McCollum’s account. That’s exactly why I don’t wanna hear all that analytics talk! In PLAYOFF games when it usually come down to 1/2 possession games down the stretch, just get me bucket! The best shot during that possession. And if it’s a Pull-up 2 then so be it cause it was the best SHOT! — LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2019 Oh and you know my favorite play was that chase down block! ✋🏾 — LeBron James (@KingJames) May 13, 2019 It’s worth pointing out that McCollum, who is from Northeast Ohio like LeBron, doesn’t hit free agency until 2021, but that didn’t stop NBA fans from firing off plenty of tampering jokes. It could be Anthony Davis all over again (but not really). CJ's contract doesn't expire until 2021 let it go — Kartik Singhal (@itsKartikS) May 13, 2019 Tampering — RipTroydanReacts (@iiwinfirfun) May 13, 2019 Tampering szn — Darcy (@darcyh723) May 13, 2019 IF YOU LIKE HIM YOU CAN COME TO PORTLAND BUT YOU AINT TAKING CJ FROM US K? https://t.co/A6AvHHL6iv — Connor (@SoaJCS) May 12, 2019<doc-sep>While that debate can — and, if James apparently has anything to do with it, will — rage on through the rest of the postseason, the Nuggets’ season is over, in large part thanks to McCollum. He represented the 330 in grand fashion, and a certain NBA superstar with a fair amount of free time was most appreciative.<doc-sep>
CJ McCollum went off in Game 7 of the Portland Trail Blazers match against the Denver Nuggets. The Blazers won the game 100-96 as McCollum scored the game-winning shot, all while putting up 37 points and getting a chase down block in the process. McCollum, who is from Canton, Ohio, caught the eye of LeBron James who grew up close by in Akron. The two share the same 330 area code so when LeBron saw McCollum have a career game, he decided to show some love on social media. After McCollum hit the game-winning shot, James took the opportunity to criticize those who have been relying on analytics to comment on how basketball games should be played. "That’s exactly why I don’t wanna hear all that analytics talk! In PLAYOFF games when it usually come down to 1/2 possession games down the stretch, just get me bucket! The best shot during that possession. And if it’s a Pull-up 2 then so be it cause it was the best SHOT!" James wrote. "When y’all want to talk REAL basketball let me know," he continued. After the game, McCollum commented on his chase down block, saying he was definitely inspired by LeBron on the play. "I just went and got it, Bron style. Shout out to my guy Bron from the 330. It was a mini version of Bron's block on Iggy. I definitely didn't get up as high. I might get a picture of that one. Hang that joint up," McCollum said according to the Washington Post.