Not even a triple-double was enough to save Miami Heat's LeBron James from criticism. He faced scrutiny for playing too unselfishly during Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but doesn't plan to change his style of play, USA Today reports.
"I should have done more, right?" James asked reporters after Miami's Game 1 loss, according to the Washington Post. "I can't get involved in that, honestly, because I've done more and lost before. I mean, when I was in Cleveland, we played Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals and I think I averaged 38, 36 or whatever I averaged. I guess I should've done more in that series as well. But I can't."
The question persists, deservedly or not, why didn't James take over the game?
"I know what I say to you guys and I know the questions you guys ask me, but I don't really read too much of what people say," James told reporters. "I do what's best for the team. What's best for the team doesn't always result in a win."
James logged 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists during Miami's loss to the Samn Antonio Spurs, 88-92. He took only four shots in the fourth quarter. Teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined for 30 points.
Expectations for the Heat and their Big Three are nothing short of a second straight NBA championship. But the Spurs are a veteran, battle-hardened club. Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard kept James to 7-of-16 shooting from the field with solid defense. Leonard added 10 points and 10 rebounds to go along with Tim Duncan's 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Tony Parker's 21 points and last-second incredible jumper.
"...Right now we have to figure out how to make the adjustments to win Game 2," James said. "We're playing against a very, very good team. Very intelligent, smart team. And we have to break the code. We have to crack the code. And figure out how to be more effective, you know, in Game 2 than we were in Game 1."
