It was more than that. Dallas ran a
brilliant defensive strategy with him:
1) Kept
switching looks with Marion/Stevenson/Terry/Kidd
2)
Doubled frequently to get the ball out of his hands
3) Played a
confusing zone with rim protector Chandler backing them up
Everything about the Dallas strategy was meant to k
eep Lebron out of the paint,
keep him confused and guessing, and
force other players on the team to make plays. If he was going to do anything, it would have to be by shooting over the defense or by passing from up top. Lebron got flustered and played poorly, but it was the Dallas defensive strategy that forced him into it - something Boston and Chicago had been unable to do.
It wasn't really that different strategically than what San Antonio had done in 2007, it was just a bit more complex and looked different because Lebron had other guys he thought could compensate in 2011. It also wasn't much different than what
Boston tried in 2012 or San Antonio tried in 2013. It's just that in 2012 Lebron defeated the strategy by banging away with brilliant inside post play, and in 2013 he defeated it with great outside shooting. Lebron's not going to get as flustered now as he did then, but it's still the best way to guard him if you have the personnel (multiple guys who can D him, a good rim protector, and ability to play the zone).