LeBron James is in playoff mode so do not expect him to be tweeting photoes of his pre-game outfits or making any celebratory phone calls after each win. The All-Star and reigning NBA Champion is kissing technology goodbye during the Miami Heat's playoff run. According to Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports, James is ditching his cellphone, Twitter account and NBA-related television as he intends on remaining totally focused on the task at hand.
James was deadly during the regular season when he was tweeting and returning phone calls, so a "focused" James could be even scarier. His method certainly seems to be working. In the Heat's first two playoff wins against the Milwaukee Bucks, James averaged 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. He shot 60 percent from the floor and of the five three pointers he shot, he hit 20 percent of them. He did turn the ball over 4.5 times, so maybe cutting out media will reduce that.
This is not the first time the James has cut off communication during the playoffs. He did so during the 2012 playoff run and it proved to be pretty effective. Perhaps James is hoping to have a repeat performance of the NBA Finals last season? In the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, James averaged 28.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. The Miami Heat cruised to winning the franchise's second championship title while James was unanimously voted the NBA Finals MVP.
The day before the Miami Heat began their playoff run, James tweeted, "Zero Dark Thirty-6 Activated! I'm gone." James told media that he just plans on reading more, watching cartoons with his kids and possibly a few movies. He will not be listening to what any sports broadcasters are talking about the current playoffs.
If all goes according to plan, James could have another historical playoff run. In Game 1 he nearly posted a triple-double with 10 rebounds and eight assists. He followed up with eight rebounds and six assists in Game 2. Time will tell if James' method proves effective once again. The Heat will face off with the Bucks in Game 3 of their opening series of the playoffs on Thursday.