x
Breaking News
More () »

LeBron James discusses approach as Cleveland Cavaliers face elimination vs. Boston Celtics

LeBron James says that nothing about his approach has changed, even as the Cleveland Cavaliers face elimination in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- For LeBron James, facing elimination against the Boston Celtics in a Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals is nothing new. Six years ago, it was those circumstances-- the one he and the Cleveland Cavaliers currently find themselves facing -- that led to one of the signature performances of his NBA career.

With James' Miami Heat in danger of being ousted before reaching the NBA Finals, the then-27-year-old scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 5 assists to extend the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals to a seventh game against the Celtics, which Miami would go on to win.

Two weeks later, James would celebrate the first NBA championship of his career.

"What I remember from that game was we was able to extend the series, go back to Miami and keep our season going," James said after shootaround on Friday.

Credit: Jim Rogash/Getty Images

James, however, downplayed any parallels between the situation the Heat were in six years ago and the one the Cavs are now in, heading into Game 6 against Boston on Friday night, trailing the Celtics 3-2.

"I've drawn nothing from that," James said.

Even with his team's season on the line -- and his seven-year NBA Finals streak in danger -- James insists his approach heading into Game 6 has remained the same as it would for any other game. "It's the same routine for me," the 4-time MVP said.

Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

But will the urgency of Friday night lead to an even more aggressive James, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer in games where his team is facing elimination? If six years ago was any indication, it seems like a safe bet.

"Just try to extend the series as long as I can," James said. "Just try to put myself and my team in position to be able to continue to play."

Live Stream the Cavaliers playoff game - Try fuboTV - Free Trial today!

Before You Leave, Check This Out