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| Mike Ehrman--Getty Images |
Here is the second installment of the 'Isolation' series, which compares the play of two players matched up against each other. You can check out the first installment here.
LeBron James Vs. Danny Granger
May 20th, 2012 -- Game 4 of Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Some players in the Indiana Pacers -- Miami Heat series have earned themselves fame and future earnings (Roy Hibbert and George Hill) and some have earned lots and lots of grief (Dwyane Wade). But LeBron James and Danny Granger--each team's best player-- are engaged in the most exciting matchup of the series. Along with being the best matchup in terms of skill, James and Granger are each trying to prove something in these Eastern Conference semifinals, and these playoffs. Granger is trying to show everyone that he is not afraid of the Heat, that he belongs among the NBA elite and can be the best player on an NBA Finals team. LeBron on the other hand, is desperately trying to prove that he doesn't shy away from pressure and can win not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, but one measly title.
First Quarter:
To start off the game LeBron looked like one of your crappy friends driving to the basket for a contested layup and just hoping for the best. He had two contested layups that didn't touch the rim before getting an easy dunk to get on the board a few minutes in. From there he used his superior size over Granger to get great position on the block and settle down with a couple of easy jump hooks and layups. Although he didn't shut him down defensively, Granger did well in the first quarter keeping LeBron from totally dominating the game on offense. In plays where Granger guarded James, James only managed to make two of his five shots while going two for four against other Pacers.
On the offensive end Granger also went two for five, making one three pointer. As usual, all of Granger's shots were jumpers, most of them being contested. For many players this would be a problem, but this is Granger's game and he has proven that he is pretty good at it. Granger also did relatively well distributing the ball; on two occasions he got the ball to Tyler Hansbrough in good position to finish with a layup.
LeBron kept the Heat relatively close in this first quarter, playing all twelve minutes while Dwyane Wade struggled to provide any offense.
Second Quarter:
For Danny Granger, the second quarter was more of the same. He shot contested jumpers, making two and missing two. LeBron however, turned up the Heat. He made four of five shots, all of them good, high-percentage takes. His only missed shot was a contested layup where a foul should have been called on Roy Hibbert. He also did well distributing the ball, including one great backdoor bounce pass to Wade for an easy dunk. Despite James' terrific play, the Heat were still down at halftime, due in large part to Dwyane Wade. He continued where he left off in Game 3 and left the Heat looking like the Cleveland Lebrons.
Things got interesting after Roy Hibbert fouled Wade with what Wade viewed as excessive force. Granger got in Wade's face earning his third technical in as many games. All series Granger has been trying to show that he is not scared of Wade or James. In doing so, Granger has split NBA fans; some are annoyed by what they see as a 'tough guy act' (shoutout to Cole Hamels), while others appreciate his fire and intensity. I personally have enjoyed Granger's attitude and think that it's important for a young team trying to establish themselves.
Another note: In a halftime interview Granger made it clear that the Pacers' gameplan was not to shutdown LeBron but to win. That's good and well, so long as you actually win, (which the Pacers were at half). LeBron going off usually means bad things.
Third Quarter:
The third quarter was where LeBron completely separated himself from Granger and brought the Heat back. It isn't a coincidence that this happened when Dwyane Wade finally found his legs and his shot. The differences between James' and Granger's games are significant, and they were fully on display throughout this quarter. Granger was pretty passive; he went one for four and only shot three-pointers. He had one assist to Hansbrough (again), but other than that wasn't anywhere to be seen.
Meanwhile LeBron put up a truly ridiculous quarter. He got to the line eight times, making six free throws to match his career FT% of 75. Twice he made great passes to Wade, one backdoor and one a beautiful entry pass over the top while Wade's man fronted him. He also had two steals, showing off his uber-athleticism in one of them. Finally he went four for five from the field to bring his game total to 12/19. The Heat ended the quarter with a six-point lead.
Fourth Quarter:
Granger did well again in this quarter, but it wasn't enough after the ridiculous run Wade and James went on. He ended up making three of five shots for the Pacers, including an absurdly contested three-pointer from the corner. He also played very good defense for a couple series, denying James the ball. But James continued to fill up the stat sheet en route to the second Heat victory in the series. He went two of four from the field, highlighted by an awesome putback dunk.
Game Review:
When looking at the quarters individually, it seems like Granger played at least on a similar level to James. In reality, LeBron put up a historically good night. He finished with 40 points, 18 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, while making 14 of his 27 shots. Granger's numbers didn't even compare. He had 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists (no blocks or steals). James doubled Granger (at least) in every major statistical category. Granger said the Pacers would be content having LeBron drop 30 in a victory; how about 40 in a loss?
Winner: LeBron James
Tweets of the game:
@NBAGuru: "Granger HATES the "arrogance" of the Heat. He's not going to back down.
@WhitlockJason: "Does Tyler Hansbrough belong in the NBA? I'm serious. Drives me f---ing crazy."
I sincerely apologize for my serious lack of productivity over the last two months. I wish that I could eek out some semblance of a legitimate excuse for it, but alas, there is none to be had. The simple truth which has dawned on me over the past fortnight or two is that I haven't found myself capable of offering any material I considered worthy of a post, though not for a lack of trying. I've begun, edited, erased, pondered, sat on, rephrased, taken a break from, stared at, and finally gave up on numerous propositions. And here I sit, in the very same workspace (bed) as I did six weeks weeks ago, when I last posted an article on LBS.
