LeBron James is known for his smart tactics on the court in crucial situations. Apart from his skills, James has used his high basketball IQ time and again to take down the toughest of opponents. Recently, Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard drew inspiration from one of the iconic LeBron James moments from 2006 to secure a 113-111 victory against the Phoenix Suns during their second game of the 2022-23 season.

The Portland Trail Blazers and the Suns were tied at 102 points each at the end of the fourth quarter. The game went into overtime and the Blazers were ahead of Devin Booker’s Suns by two points at 113-111. During the final few moments of the overtime, Deandre Ayton had the opportunity of making it to double overtime with two free throws. However, moments before the 24-year-old was about to take his shots, Damian Lillard came up to him and shared a few words. Shortly after, Ayton missed both of his shots as the Blazers ended the game with a victory. 

Damian Lillard pulls off a LeBron James moment

The tactic that the Blazers point guard used was inspired by one of the most iconic LeBron James moments from the 2006 Eastern Conference round 1 playoffs series. The Cleveland Cavaliers were leading the series by 3-2. During Game 6, the Wizards were awarded a free throw during overtime while they were ahead by one point at 113-112 with around 15 seconds left on the clock.

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Former Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was given the responsibility to take the free throw. However, LeBron James whispered a few words in Arenas’ ears before the free throw and he missed. James said, “If you miss these you know who is going to make it?” 

The three-time All-Star seemed to be impacted by what LeBron had said as he missed the shot. With just four seconds left on the clock, Damon Jones took the ball to the other side and closed the game with a long two-pointer as the Cavs won by 114-113.

Lillard used a similar trick after being inspired by James during the game against the Phoenix Suns. The six-time All-Star went up to Deandre Ayton and said, “Have you ever been in this situation before? The Blazers guard shared after the game, “When he ignored me I was like, I’m pretty sure he’s thinking about it.”

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Fortunately, the LeBron James-inspired trick Lillard used worked on Ayton and he missed both free throws, handing the Portland Trail Blazers a comfortable victory