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He's gone from seeming to be completely lost at times to being one of the team's top defenders.
James earned a few votes by the league's head coaches, including one first-team nod, on Monday when the All-Defensive team was announced. James didn't make either the first or second teams, but it's only a matter of time before he's a perennial member.
"He will definitely be on that All-Defensive first team," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "The things he does out on the floor can't be duplicated. He's only going to get better on that end of the floor."
Since Brown arrived for the 2005-06 season, James has become more serious about his defense. Obviously, Brown had something to do with that improvement, but playing on Team USA in the summer didn't hurt.
"He was with Coach K (Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski) in the summer and with those players like Kobe (Bryant) and (Jason) Kidd," Brown said. "His on-the-ball defense was already pretty good. He's mentally trying to step it up every time he gets on the floor."
James said it would be quite rewarding to earn a spot on the All-Defensive team. It could happen as early as next season.
"It's something I came into the season trying to (improve)," he said. "I want to be one of the best defenders in our league. I took a lot of pride in my defense this year. I've been successful all year on trying to lock down guys."
KG on first team
Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, the league's Defensive Player of the Year, was a first-team All-Defensive selection.
"(Garnett is special because of) his tenacity, length, athleticism and agility," Brown said. "That's a nice combination to have. You hear people say, 'He doesn't take a play off.' He doesn't take a second off. He's into it mentally the whole time."
Team defense
It's hard to complain about how well the Cavs have defended in this series. It's all about team defense.
"If there's one word, it's trust," Brown said. "You have to trust in the defense, trust in your teammates and you have to communicate. You have to help. It's never me guarding a basketball. It's five guys on a string. That will help us cover up a mistake."
Not a pretty sight
Brown's heart rate soars when 7-foot-3 center Zydrunas Ilgauskas drives to the basket.
"It's a little scary to see Z," Brown said. "He's had some terrific drive-and-kicks. I'm not going to encourage it."
Ilgauskas took Celtics center Kendrick Perkins off the dribble in Game 3 and lumbered toward the basket.
"I saw the replay," Ilgauskas said. "Man, I looked really slow. I thought I was faster than that. It's a little depressing. It worked. I kept waiting for someone to steal it."
Where's Boobie?
Cavs guard Daniel "Boobie" Gibson averaged 4.0 points and shot 30 percent from the field in the first three games of the series.
"Boston is doing a nice job of not leaving him," Brown said. "He has to continue to be aggressive. When he is open, he has to pull up."
Gibson played well Monday, scoring 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the Cavs' win.
Crystal clear
Clear Channel Radio and the Cavs have come to terms on a five-year contract extension for radio broadcast rights. The agreement means WTAM-AM 1100 will carry the Cavs through the 2012-13 season.
Notes
If there is a Game 6 in Cleveland, the game will start at 8 p.m. ... The Cavs' watch party for Game 5 on Wednesday will be hosted by Alexander's in North Olmsted, located at 30850 Lorain Road.
