The criticism from some folks that LeBron James isn’t playing hard enough in the early going with the Cleveland Cavaliers will be fueled by plays like this one.
Late in the second quarter of Wednesday’s Cavs-Utah Jazz game, LeBron got a steal and went for a layup in transition, but he was blocked from behind by Gordon Hayward. Hayward went the other direction and ended up getting a dunk to make it a 56-47 lead for the Jazz.
Chase-down blocks have been one of LeBron’s signature defensive plays for the last several years, so there’s no doubt he’ll feel a little embarrassed about someone else doing it to him. He’ll probably feel even worse about his team’s shaky start to the season.
LeBron thought a goaltending call should have been made. Upon review, it does look like the ball hit the backboard before Hayward blocked it:
