And James did this after putting the finishing touches on a 32-point second half, and a season-best 38-point game. James’ 32-point second half established a franchise record for most points in a half on the road.
“It’s the zone you hear about,” James said. “Certain players talk about getting into the zone. I wish I could get into it more. But when you’re in it, you know how it feels, you know everything you put up, and how you’re going is pretty good.”
That’s his game. His leadership is just as incredible. James is the reason the Heat is off to a good start. The team feeds off of him.
Dwyane Wade ceded supreme control of the team last year. He’s still a leader, of course. But he’s 30. Actually, he’s an old 30. He’ll be 31 in January. His body is beaten down. He’s coming off summer knee surgery. It’s tough to do it every night. He needs to save it for the playoffs.
Chris Bosh isn’t the type to be the outward leader. He’s having an outstanding season at 20.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, and he has three consecutive 20-point games. But he can’t lead like James.
Spolestra is the coach. Pat Riley is the president. They can’t lead like James, a player. So it’s up to James to lead this team, and he’s doing it better than anybody in the NBA right now.
Watch him tonight shine among all the big names when the Heat visits the Clippers. You’ll notice Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Wade, Bosh. It’ll be superstars aplenty.
And it’ll be a testament to the quality depth, beyond the big names, both teams have built. Jamal Crawford. Ray Allen. Caron Butler. Lamar Odom. Eric Bledsoe. Rashard Lewis. Matt Barnes. Udonis Haslem.
But amid all the All-Stars and outstanding role players at Staples Center tonight, watch how James takes control of the game and keeps control. Also observe how his teammates follow his lead, offensively, defensively and emotionally.
And then you decide why James is better this season. Is it his game? Or his leadership?
Chris Perkins is a veteran Miami-based sports journalist who covers the Miami Heat for SheridanHoops.com. Follow him on Twitter.