In basketball, the decision to foul when leading by three points in the final moments of a game is a topic of heated debate. On Tuesday, during the Boston Celtics’ dramatic win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James expressed a definitive stance on the matter.
With just over 10 seconds left in regulation, Indiana held a three-point lead. Celtics’ shooting guard Jaylen Brown received the ball in the corner off an out-of-bounds play and nailed a three-pointer, tying the game and forcing overtime. The Celtics went on to secure a 133-128 victory at TD Garden.
LeBron James took to social media, stating, “And y’all still wanna know why I would foul up 3 every single time??”
James elaborated on his philosophy during a recent episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast with JJ Redick. “You have to consider all the circumstances. If you’re up three with less than 24 seconds left, do you have a timeout? What’s the game situation?” James questioned. He continued, “If you’re going to foul, it must be on the downward dribble. It’s tricky because many players and coaches hesitate, fearing the risk of sending the shooter to the free-throw line.”
JAYLEN BROWN TIES THE GAME AT 117!
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“But I am fouling. I am fouling, I am fouling, I am fouling. Guys are too great, man. Guys are too great,” James emphasized.
The loss was particularly bitter for the Pacers, who had planned to foul on the play. However, forward Pascal Siakam explained his hesitation. “It was a judgment call,” Siakam said. “I felt Brown was in his shooting motion after a pump fake. I didn’t want to risk fouling him and giving him free throws. It was a tough shot, and I could have contested it better, but it was just a difficult play.”
In the high-stakes environment of the NBA playoffs, such decisions can make or break a game, and James’ strong opinions highlight the complexities coaches and players face in these critical moments.
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