current location:HOME > Sports News > Tennis Life > Text content

LeBron James recalls his first NBA playoff game: 'I was nervous as f**k' / News - Basketnews.com

nqajqrqw7months ago (05-17)Tennis Life192

LeBron James reflects on his nervous debut in the 2006 NBA Playoffs vs. Washington: 'I don't want to s**t the bed.'

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has just wrapped up his 21st NBA regular season and is preparing for yet another playoff showdown, this time against the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets.

2-pointers this season

Los Angeles Lakers57%31,9NBAPoints made:31,9Accuracy:56,6%Place in standings:3Record max:45Record min:19Most made 2FGs:Anthony DavisTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

As LeBron reflects on his postseason journeys, he acknowledges that the beginning wasn't always smooth sailing. He opened up about his nerves leading into his first playoff game against the Washington Wizards on April 22, 2006, during the 'Mind the Game' podcast with JJ Redick.

"I was nervous as f**k. That's what I remember," James confessed on the pod. "It was a third year. First year, I established myself. Second year, we missed the playoffs by maybe one or two games, and it's like, 'Okay, I'm here to play ball, but I want to make the next step. I got to get this franchise to the postseason.' In my third year, we finally made the postseason, and our first game was against Washington at home, I was nervous as hell.

"My stomach was hurting all goddamn long, all day, literally until the jump ball. ... I was 20 years old, got the team to the postseason, I don't want to go out there and s**t the bed," he recalled. "Maybe I was 21, I don't want to s**t the bed. First playoff game, look out there's Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, and all those guys. They were playing great ball that year, we're inexperienced as hell, and I didn't want to lay an egg."

Despite the pressure, James rose to the occasion, recording a triple-double with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in Game 1 of the 2006 First Round against the Wizards.

Throughout his debut playoff run, LeBron averaged 30.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in 13 games. However, Cleveland's postseason run came to an end in the Eastern Conference semifinals, falling 4-3 to the Detroit Pistons.

Lebron James' first playoff game:

Latest 'Mind the Game' podcast:

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.
Share with friends:

“LeBron James recalls his first NBA playoff game: 'I was nervous as f**k' / News - Basketnews.com” ofrelated articles

Udonis Haslem responds to JJ Redick coaching the Lakers / News - Basketnews.com

Udonis Haslem responds to JJ Redick coaching the Lakers / News - Basketnews.com

Former Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem believes the Lakers would be making a wrong decision if they hired JJ Redick as head coach....

All-EuroLeague Snub Team / News - Basketnews.com

All-EuroLeague Snub Team / News - Basketnews.com

BasketNewsmade an All-EuroLeague Snub Team that includes five players who were not selected for the All-EuroLeague First or Second Team and havea soli...

Draymond Green continues verbal jabs at Jusuf Nurkic: 'Suns have no big man' / News - Basketnews.com

Draymond Green continues verbal jabs at Jusuf Nurkic: 'Suns have no big man' / News - Basketnews.com

Draymond Green reignites his ongoing feud with Jusuf Nurkic by pointedly excluding him from a discussion on the Phoenix Suns' big man....

LeBron James attends Celtics-Cavaliers Game 4 / News - Basketnews.com

LeBron James attends Celtics-Cavaliers Game 4 / News - Basketnews.com

LeBron James was in Cleveland for Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, leaving many speculating about his future....

NBA rumor: Pelicans want to trade Brandon Ingram this summer / News - Basketnews.com

NBA rumor: Pelicans want to trade Brandon Ingram this summer / News - Basketnews.com

Brandon Ingram may depart the New Orleans Pelicans sooner than expected....

Tyrese Haliburton downplays Pacers' Game 4 blowout win / News - Basketnews.com

Tyrese Haliburton downplays Pacers' Game 4 blowout win / News - Basketnews.com

The Indiana Pacers tied the series 2-2 after cruising past the New York Knicks in Game 4 by 32 points....