LeBron James knows he had a poor game but does not believe it had anything to do with a lack of effort. And he's looking forward to making up for it in Game 6 in Boston.
James did not directly take issue with owner Dan Gilbert's assessment that the Cavs did not put forth enough effort in Game 5, but he clearly does not agree with it.
"I don't get involved in what owners say," James said Wednesday. "That's how [Gilbert] feels. As players, we go out there and it's not like we're not giving a great effort or trying to play hard. It's not like we go out in a game and say, 'Let's not play hard for the fans.' When you lose bad like that, we hurt just as much as they hurt. But as professionals, we've just got to play a little better."
James seems ready for the challenge as the Celtics look to close out the series in their arena.
"I put a lot of pressure on me, of course. That's just the type of player I am and that's how I hold myself accountable. I need one of those games and I look forward to having one."
James seems confident that the Cavs will head home for the decisive Game 7. Why? "They got me," he said.