And, just think, the Cel tics ended LeBron James’ season and quite possibly his Cavaliers’ career without Nate Robinson.
If you were one of the few who missed last night’s 94-85 inequality, don’t get fooled by LeBron’s seemingly sizzling statistics — one turnover shy of a quadruple double and the need for 21 shots to record 27 points — he hardly looked like a guy playing for a contract.
For the greater part of Game 6, and definitely the two previous ones, James malfunctioned as badly as his supporting cast. Going into the postseason, if the Cavs lost, everyone expected it would be because the Ohio Players failed to measure up. As it turned out, they followed their leader.
The King had no team and now has no uniform.
After this showing — right elbow injury aside — maybe the Cavs won’t even want LeBron back.
OK, fine; well, would you believe we probably have seen Shaquille O’Neal slow down his last NBA game?
There are two things there’s no doubt about: Mike Brown won’t be back and, despite his gaudy record coaching James, he will have a difficult time getting another head job. And maybe James ought to rethink his plan to switch uniform numbers from No. 23 (in deference to Michael Jordan) to No. 6 (Bill Russell’s) and instead opt for No. 0 — as in zero titles in seven seasons.
The shame of the Celtics’ near dominance — their franchise worst home playoff Game 3 loss served to focus their fury at their opponents — is that it was practically obscured by speculation regarding LeBron’s future.
While the world of roundball wondered where James will wind up next season, Rajon Rondo thoroughly immobilized the Cavs’ renowned defense by getting into their bloodstream whenever he pleased . . . resulting in layups or open looks for him, or reasonably easy shots for Kevin Garnett (off pick-and-rolls), Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Tony Allen.
Of course, had the Cavs been able to solve the Celtics’ defense on LeBron that kept him on the outside looking in for most of the series, or shooting with his left on drive-bys, none of that might have mattered.
Given the chance again at last night’s postgame press conference to use his elbow as an excuse, James hesitated and then took it. “It limited me,” he said. “I’ll deal with it during the offseason.”
While I don’t doubt for a millisecond LeBron’s pain handicapped him, significantly, probably, I suspect Michael or Kobe would have risen to the occasion attached to Ivs . . . coming down the lane hanging onto the poll with their off arms.
I can’t imagine LeBron returning to Cleveland. It’s like dating a girl for a while and knowing that even though you had some good times, it’s just not gonna work out. peter.vecsey@nypost.com