CLEVELAND: On the anniversary of Michael Jordan setting an NBA playoffs scoring record with 63 points against the Boston Celtics, LeBron James surpassed Jordan for most appearances in playoff games with 180 as the Cavaliers took on the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of their first-round series.
James said the stat meant one thing: “That he closed out series faster than me.”
In the midst of advancing to what could be a sixth consecutive appearance in the NBA Finals, James confessed he hadn’t given the milestone much of a thought.
“Obviously, I know my focus is not on that right now to be able to harp on that conversation, which we can dive into that at a later time,” he said. “For sure, I have a lot to talk about that now, but it’s something that’s on the other side of town on my brain right now.”
While that certainly may be the case, James did take a moment to reflect on the moment. It wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that he’d like more rings to go with such an accomplishment. He has two to Jordan’s six, but he definitely appreciates the opportunities he’s had in his career.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be healthy and, like I always harp on, be part of two great organizations that allowed me to be a part of the postseason play,” he said. “And for to be, what you say, 180, it’s a testament to my work ethic, what I’ve been able to do and also the organizations that allowed me to be part of the postseason with them.”
In his 179 playoff games, Jordan averaged 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.1 steals. James’ totals stand at 28.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Let’s get physical
The Pistons didn’t take kindly to what Kevin Love did to them in Game 1 of the series. Love scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Detroit’s Marcus Morris especially didn’t like it.
“We definitely took it a little disrespectful,” Morris said in the Detroit media. “So I think we’re definitely going to push up a little harder on him, maybe foul him a little harder, things like that.”
The statement didn’t appear to faze Cavs coach Tyronn Lue.
“Kevin’s a problem in the post. If teams are going to play small, we want to definitely post the basketball,” Lue said. “Hopefully by them getting physical, some guys will be in foul trouble. I think Kevin’s going to continue to do what he’s been doing. If we have to adjust, we will.”
No help required
Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy received some notoriety after the first game in the series when the NBA slapped him with a $25,000 fine for criticizing the referees during an in-game interview. Van Gundy intimated that James was able to do whatever he wanted on the floor without being whistled for fouls.
He may be lighter in the wallet, but he could have planted a seed by expressing his displeasure. Lue has a different philosophy.
“No, sir,” Lue answered when asked if he planned to work the referees. “[I’ll] never do it.”
When asked why, Lue said: “I just don’t do it. I played 11 years in my career and I never got a technical foul one time in my career. I just don’t believe in it.”
Based on what happened in Wednesday’s first half, which ended in a 53-53 tie, Lue might want to reconsider his philosophy. Officials called the Cavs for 16 fouls compared to just six on the Pistons.
The Cavs went to the free-throw line a single time — on a technical foul called on Morris — while the Pistons attempted 20 free throws. Center Andre Drummond had 12 of those.
For Van Gundy, that amounts to getting his money’s worth.
Taking it home
Anyone who follows James on Twitter knows that tweeting during other NBA games isn’t uncommon. When he’s not working, the work comes home with him — kind of. That doesn’t change with the playoffs. James said he watches all the games when he’s not playing.
“I’m a fan of the game, first of all,” he said. “I became a fan of the game, loved the game before I ever played it, so it’s great to watch. It’s great to watch every series and see what’s going on. I don’t dive into it too much as far as the strategies of what they’re doing even though I see it, just because of my knowledge of the game, but it’s great to watch the other games.”
Just for emphasis
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the series grow more intense with each passing game after Van Gundy’s comments.
In the first quarter Wednesday, James took a charge by Tobias Harris with 4:31 left. After the call, he ran right by the Pistons bench, casting an eye toward Van Gundy.
And the Cavs apparently didn’t take kindly to the Pistons saying they would be getting more physical. With 1:53 to play in the first quarter, James and the Pistons’ Stanley Johnson bumped shoulders during a timeout.
Bringing in support
The Cavs brought in former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones to pump up the crowd during a timeout at 4:47 of the third quarter.
Dribble
Cavs point guard Mo Williams, sidelined with a knee injury, spent more than 20 minutes on the court shooting during pregame. However, he was inactive for Game 2.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ.