Extra motivation for James, Cavs?

By Gary Dzen

May 13, 2010

1 minute to read

Given the verbal beatings he’s taken in the media this week, it wasn’t surprising to hear LeBron James talk in basketball cliches before Game 6. It was a bit surprising, however, that James talked at all, but the Cavaliers superstar did hold court for almost four minutes a short time ago.

James was asked how he was dealing with the media frenzy surrounding his lackluster performance in Game 5.

“It’s always about, ‘What have you done for me lately?'” said James. “We understand that stuff. We’ve got to go out there and prove our doubters wrong.”

The New York media is out in full force for tonight’s game (so much so that your intrepid Boston Globe reporter has been bumped from his seat). For the Celtics, Game 6 is about one game, nothing more. For the Cavaliers, it comes with a lot more baggage.

“We understand that the game of basketball is played on the court and not off the court,” said James. “Everyone is going to have their own comments on what this team should do or on what we haven’t done. As players and as a leader I keep our guys focused on what our job is.

“You’re looking to win. That’s the only thing we have at this point. We’re facing elimination.”