LeBron James vows to be in attack mode

June, 5, 2011
6/05/11
3:05
PM CT
Six free throws in two games for LeBron James? Heck, Brendan Haywood's taken that many -- in one game.

James said that's unacceptable and he knows what he has to do. He said he will come to American Airlines Center tonight for Game 3 between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat in attack mode.

"Personally, I do have to be more aggressive in the paint. Six free-throws in two games, I do that in my sleep in one game. So that's not me," James said. "I'm going to make a concerted effort to be more aggressive to try to get to the rim, create some more opportunities for myself and my teammates. I understand that."

Dallas' interior defense will be ready and that could complicate things for starting center Tyson Chandler, who might have usual 7-foot backup Brendan Haywood available. Haywood is dealing with a right hip flexor and his game-time decision. If Haywood can't go, the Mavs will have to rely on little-used third-stringer Ian Mahinmi to give Chandler a blow now and then, or go to a small unit.

Chandler picked up five fouls in each of the first two games.

"I've just got to be smart about my fouls," Chandler said.
Jeff Caplan joined ESPNDallas.com in December 2009. Jeff covers the Mavericks, Rangers and colleges. He has a wealth of experience in the area, covering multiple beats in his 11-plus years with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Ben & Skin: Stephen A. Smith

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith chimes in on the Dallas Mavericks' season, their free agency plans and more.

Ben & Skin: Mike and Mike

Mike and Mike join Ben and Skin to discuss Jerry Jones' window and the Mavs future. They don't see Dirk Nowitzki leaving even if the Mavs miss out on the dream of Deron Williams or Dwight Howard.

Galloway & Company: Dirk Nowitzki

Mavs F Dirk Nowitzki says he's too old to stay with a rebuilding franchise but couldn't imagine himself leaving the city of Dallas.

Ben & Skin: Dwight Howard Talk

Is the Dwight Howard to the Mavs dream alive? Dwight still wants out of Orlando and it could open the door for the Mavs to put a proposal together.

Ben & Skin: Delonte West

Mavs guard Delonte West dishes on his desire to return to the Mavs, his relationship with Lebron James and how he ended up hanging out with Dez Bryant over the weekend.

Ben & Skin: Most Important Figures

Ben and Skin discuss the three most important figures for the Rangers, Mavs, and Cowboys. Who is the most vital to the ultimate success of each organization?

TEAM LEADERS

POINTS
Dirk Nowitzki
PTS AST STL MIN
21.6 2.2 0.7 33.5
OTHER LEADERS
ReboundsS. Marion 7.4
AssistsJ. Kidd 5.5
StealsJ. Kidd 1.7
BlocksB. Wright 1.3

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.