CLEVELAND — LeBron James’ ambidexterity makes him special, perhaps the most skilled basketball player on the planet.
James can drive, dribble and create with either hand. It’s not widely known that James writes with his left. He never shoots free throws that way.
He did Tuesday night.
Bothered by a puzzling injury that numbs his right elbow, James curiously launched and missed a free throw left-handed in the closing seconds of Cleveland’s 96-94 playoff victory over Chicago, adding some unexpected late-night drama to the Cavaliers advancing to a second-round matchup against the Celtics.
James revealed afterward that the elbow has been troubling him for weeks. He underwent treatment Wednesday and is expected to have further testing done before Saturday’s Game 1.
X-rays and an MRI taken Monday showed no obvious structural damage, but clearly something is wrong with James’ elbow, which he has covered recently with a padded, protective sleeve.
“I don’t know, honestly, what’s going on with it,” James said. “I’ve done tests to try and figure this thing out, but it almost feels like you hit your funny bone and it kind of numbs up for a little bit.”
A Cavaliers spokesman said the team will provide a medical update after James is evaluated. The team did not practice Wednesday, giving the injury another day’s rest.
James said he isn’t concerned about the elbow and doesn’t think it’s serious.
Howard fined $35,000
ORLANDO, Fla. — Magic center Dwight Howard has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing officials in Orlando’s series sweep over Charlotte on his blog.
Howard posted on his blog: “I’m not looking to say anything to get myself in trouble with the league, but I just don’t see other star players getting called for fouls the way I get them. No star player in the league is outta games the way I am.”
Gordon has surgery
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Pistons guard Ben Gordon underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, which will be placed in a cast for three weeks before rehabilitation begins.
The Associated Press
