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In recent years, LeBron James hasn't played much defense, perhaps as a concession to all the wear and tear he has accumulated over the years. He had been named to the All-Defensive first team six straight times starting in the 2008-09 season, but over the last few years, he has apparently coasted on that end of the floor.
That seems to have changed at least somewhat ever since the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic on Feb. 1. James has been more engaged defensively ever since, as his offensive duties have been slashed big-time, and while he may not be an elite defender, he has been making an impact in that category.
Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday was a good example of James' renewed emphasis on the defensive end. He was active and aggressive on that end of the court, and with his help, Los Angeles held the Timberwolves to 85 points on 38% shooting and won by nine points to even the series.
Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of James who is now an ESPN commentator, praised the 40-year-old for his defense on Tuesday during an episode of the "Road Trippin'" podcast.
One big change came from the 3-point line. Minnesota went 21-of-42 from downtown in Game 1, but with James flying around on defense, it only hit five of its 25 attempts from that distance on Tuesday. While he only scored 21 points, his defense, along with his 11 rebounds and seven assists, seemed to give his team a spring in its step.
The series, which is tied at one win apiece, has now taken on the look of a rock fight with the next two games taking place at Target Center in Minneapolis.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Kendrick Perkins praises LeBron James' defense in Game 2 win
Continue reading...
That seems to have changed at least somewhat ever since the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic on Feb. 1. James has been more engaged defensively ever since, as his offensive duties have been slashed big-time, and while he may not be an elite defender, he has been making an impact in that category.
Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday was a good example of James' renewed emphasis on the defensive end. He was active and aggressive on that end of the court, and with his help, Los Angeles held the Timberwolves to 85 points on 38% shooting and won by nine points to even the series.
Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of James who is now an ESPN commentator, praised the 40-year-old for his defense on Tuesday during an episode of the "Road Trippin'" podcast.
One big change came from the 3-point line. Minnesota went 21-of-42 from downtown in Game 1, but with James flying around on defense, it only hit five of its 25 attempts from that distance on Tuesday. While he only scored 21 points, his defense, along with his 11 rebounds and seven assists, seemed to give his team a spring in its step.
The series, which is tied at one win apiece, has now taken on the look of a rock fight with the next two games taking place at Target Center in Minneapolis.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Kendrick Perkins praises LeBron James' defense in Game 2 win
Continue reading...
