LeBron James thinks the Portland Trail Blazers’ Game 7 win over the Denver Nuggets is proof that analytics in basketball are overrated.
Analytic thinking suggests that taking a three-pointer is better than a long two, as the degree of difficulty isn’t much higher but an extra point is on the line. James isn’t buying it, and he used C.J. McCollum — who made several mid-range jumpers down the stretch in the win — as an example to back up his point.
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
@CJMcCollum showed you exactly that! #330 Boyz something different! Congrats bro
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2019
When y’all want to talk REAL basketball let me know.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 12, 2019
James’ criticism could be amplified in light of the Houston Rockets’ exit, a team that is known for espousing the more analytical approach. Their data-driven ways have been employed in ways that made them look silly, and it seems James would argue that it’s Portland, not Houston, with the right idea behind playoff basketball.
