“Coaches Are Afraid”: LeBron James Claims He’d Veto Orders; Thrashes Pacers’ Strategy vs Celtics

The Indiana Pacers vs Boston Celtics finished with a thrilling rollercoaster outcome! The C’s took the win tonight with a 133-128 overtime victory, much to the chagrin of Tyrese Haliburton and Co. Along with everyone who tuned into the game was none other than LeBron James. And he couldn’t help but shake his head at the Pacers’ blunder. Or at least, according to him, it was a blunder.

Taking to X to record his take, James had no words. Just a few ‘shrugging’ emojis and a clip from his Mind the Game podcast with JJ Redick. In the video, the two are deep in discussion about fouling up three. The Lakers superstar, for his part, is all in for fouling. Yet, he points out that “a lot of coaches are afraid to tell their team to foul when up three.” And why would that be?

The King gives two reasons. “One, they haven’t worked on it. Or two, with our rules and everything, it gets tricky sometimes, and you sent a guy to the free throw line.” Now, the second reason is something no team wants to do.

But why did he share this video with regard to Indiana?

The Pacers were in the lead in the late stage of the game when Jaylen Brown hit a three. As per LeBron James, they could have easily fouled JB and gotten away with a win. Unfortunately, they did not think it prudent to do so, and Boston took advantage of it.

Yet, if you were to ask the ‘Akron Hammer,’ he would be fouling. “I’m fouling! I’m fouling, I’m fouling, I’m fouling,” he had said in the podcast episode. Of course, he would. We are talking about one of the greatest masterminds in basketball, after all.

The instance that got LeBron James vexed

That happened within just 30 seconds of the regulation. Indiana was in the lead at the time, and they turned the ball over twice. The second time it happened, Brown made sure the Pacers would regret it. Pascal Siakam was right in his face when Jaylen hit the three from the corner to tie the game at 117.

Post-game saw Rick Carlisle taking complete responsibility for the loss. Coach Carlisle said that he should have called a timeout to advance the ball before their turnover set the shot for JB. Tyrese Haliburton, for his part, also agreed with his coach on the turnover situation. They had 21 turnovers tonight! “I think it’s more on us. I just felt like more of them were probably on us than them forcing turnovers,” Haliburton said.

We can’t be sure if it was the nerves or excitement that made the ‘Hoosier State’ commit uncharacteristic mistakes. Whatever it is, one thing is sure. They will be careful to not lose control again and that’s dangerous for the Celtics. What do you think of LeBron’s advice to the Indiana Pacers? And their coach?

Would they be willing to take the risk against a championship-favorite team? Thoughts?