Thursday, June 11, 2015

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3212: LeBron James stealing ball from Stephen Curry - then pointing at his Temple - Body Language (PHOTOS)



















In game 3 of the 2015 NBA finals, LeBron James stole the ball a couple times from Stephen Curry late in the game as the Warriors were mounting a come-back.

James had jumped into the passing lane and grabbed the steal on Curry's inbound pass - then LeBron was fouled immediately. The Cavalier's small forward then pointed to his temple and subtly smiled on his run back up the court.

In the post-game press conference James said, “Ah ... nah I just, I seen them run that set before, and I was telling the coaching staff that I was in tune and I was, I knew what was coming.”

Here James' interpretation of his own body language is of course accurate (e.g. "I know what you're thinking" or "I've got you figured-out") - although coupled with a different facial expression, such temple-pointing would have a completely different meaning (Can you describe some of these scenarios?). Perhaps LeBron had a tactic and this act was a form of trash talk - and yet, it would have been wiser to keep this advantage a secret (not unlike poker). Stephen Curry or his coaches would have probably figured it out eventually of course - however if perhaps James could get even one more steal out of his ability to read Curry - it could very well be a game-changer and a championship-maker.

"All warfare is based on deception."

Sun Tzu

(or at least the ability to keep secrets)





























See also:

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 3211: Jerry Seinfeld, David Remnick, Seth Meyers & a Body Language Signal of Memory Recall

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2738: LeBron James - Black Mask vs. Clear Mask, Body Language of Trust

Nonverbal Communication Analysis No. 2881: LeBron James and What He Learned About the Way He Switched Teams - Body Language Tells

Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 1912:  Ann Curry's Tearful Goodbye  Matt Lauer's Insincerity

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