NBA: LeBron James after game 7: “I am completely burned out”

LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers into the second round of the playoffs with a feat of strength in game 7. But the superstar confessed that he had burned out. At the same time he praised the brave opponent, the Indiana Pacers.

“I think I did what it took to win this series,” James explained after the game. “With the exception of game 6, I was efficient throughout the series and tried to move the defense. When they doubled me, I found my teammates. That’s what’s expected of me, and that’s what I did.”

After a few years with sweeps in the first round the Cavs were challenged by the Pacers and the series went over the full distance. “This year is different,” confessed LeBron. “It will be a great challenge and that was the first. We’ve mastered them, now we’ll see what happens.”

James played 34.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists in the series. LeBron scored 55.3 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from the triple line. On Sunday, he was the first player of all time to turn his first seven throws in a game.

“I just made plays and trusted my fellow players,” explained the star of the Cavs. “But respect to the Indiana Pacers. They played very hard and pushed us to the limit.”

LeBron also showed his respect by standing on the field without interruption for the first 35 minutes of the game. One minute before the end of the third quarter he had to leave the court, however, according to ESPN reporter Doris Burke James had slight cramps, which stopped him several times before in his career.

“I only had one minor injury to take care of so I was ready for the fourth quarter,” LeBron played down the injury.

The Cavs will continue on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday when Cleveland travels to Canada to the Toronto Raptors. But James didn’t want to think about that so soon after the game. “I’m just really burned out,” confessed LeBron. “I won’t think of Toronto until tomorrow. I’m just going home right now, may I?”

Instead, his teammates spoke highly of the megastar. “If he gives 100 percent, we have to give 120 percent,” said strong Tristan Thompson. “I thought my engine ran well, but it has the engine of a Lamborghini.”

Kyle Korver couldn’t get out of the rapture either. “Allen Iverson once said it was hard to take 30 throws per game,” the shooter referred to his former Philadelphia player. “Creating so many casts simply costs so much energy. Bron does this and much more, it’s incredible.”