The Politics of NBA Late Game Hero Ball

Note: Official TWEDP Bee Correspondent Sarah Dougherty is late to file her report on the Denver Basebee Controversy.  We apologize for the delay but are happy to bring you more of the usual nonsense.

This post is for the homie Bernard, who requested we discuss the ridiculous role of narrative in the way people think about and cover the NBA.  Basically, Kobe Bryant is clutch and Lebron James chokes, and YOU MUST BELIEVE THIS.  You must believe this because everyone knows it's true. You must believe this even though every statistical measure we have shows that Kobe shoots a laughably low percentage and turns the ball over way too much in crunch time and OMG FIVE RINGS DUDE WHY YOU HATIN?  You must believe this even though Lebron seems to nail a clutch shot or three in just about every playoff series his team wins and all the stats show that he is one of the best clutch performers in the league.

Thing is, Bernard, I don't really have a whole lot to say that hasn't been said recently.  For one thing, after Kobe singlehandedly lost Game 2 against the Thunder Wednesday night, even ESPN stated the obvious.

Also, I've decided I'm out on Lebron-as-meme.  Those who frequent the circus know that I've been one of Lebron's staunchest defenders, but as part of letting go of my attachment to OKP, I'm letting go of my defense of Lebron and trying to see him as the player he really is.  What he is: one the greatest players we've ever seen who falters ever so slightly in clutch moments.  It's not a lot.  If Greg Norman is a 10, Lebron is a 3.  It's slight enough that it only takes him from the best player in the league down to, oh, like a top 10 player in clutch situations.  Also, he's not doomed to choke forever.  As the greatest living sportswriter point out, his choking seems to be a recent development, so we can hope he grows out of it.  

But right now?  Yes, Lebron shrinks a little bit from the moment.  Whatever.  I don't care as much anymore.  The Heat are going to lose to the Pacers.  It's not Lebron's fault, because Bosh is hurt, Wade is old, and everyone else on his team sucks, but Lebron deserves it, because he made his Decision.  He's obviously not having fun, and the Heat are a miserable basketball team to watch right now.  I can't be bothered.

Bring on Thunder/Spurs, which should be epic.