Yeah, yeah, we all know that technically you are supposed to block shots towards your teammates if you can’t catch them to try to gain possession, but every once in a while a defender needs to send a message. Get in the heads of his opponents that you can’t come to the lane weak and lob one up over our defense. Every once in a while you need to block one deep into the stands and stare your opponent down. Psychology is everything in this game. And the NBA is Lebron James’ league. James last night sent that message to the Portland Blazers. Specifically he sent that message to the leader of the Blazers, Brandon Roy.
Check out this ridiculous help side block on Roy’s shot attempt. The elevation James displays is unreal. His head and shoulders are above the rim, good lord. It may even be nicer than his block last season on Ramon Sessions: