LeBron James Dismisses Analytics While Praising CJ McCollum

BYAlexander Cole2.4K Views
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CJ McCollum & LeBron James
From one Ohio kid to another.

CJ McCollum went off in Game 7 of the Portland Trail Blazers match against the Denver Nuggets. The Blazers won the game 100-96 as McCollum scored the game-winning shot, all while putting up 37 points and getting a chase down block in the process. McCollum, who is from Canton, Ohio, caught the eye of LeBron James who grew up close by in Akron. The two share the same 330 area code so when LeBron saw McCollum have a career game, he decided to show some love on social media.

After McCollum hit the game-winning shot, James took the opportunity to criticize those who have been relying on analytics to comment on how basketball games should be played.

"That’s exactly why I don’t wanna hear all that analytics talk! In PLAYOFF games when it usually come down to 1/2 possession games down the stretch, just get me bucket! The best shot during that possession. And if it’s a Pull-up 2 then so be it cause it was the best SHOT!" James wrote.

"When y’all want to talk REAL basketball let me know," he continued.

After the game, McCollum commented on his chase down block, saying he was definitely inspired by LeBron on the play.

"I just went and got it, Bron style. Shout out to my guy Bron from the 330. It was a mini version of Bron's block on Iggy. I definitely didn't get up as high. I might get a picture of that one. Hang that joint up," McCollum said according to the Washington Post.


About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!
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