CAVALIERS James' inconsistent play not unexpected

That trend can't continue if the Cleveland rookie hopes to live up to the hype.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James has shown flashes of brilliance and moments of mediocrity in his first two preseason games with the Cleveland Cavaliers -- exactly what might be expected from an 18-year-old NBA rookie.
But James isn't a normal rookie. He's expected to take the league by storm and transform the lowly Cavaliers into playoff contenders.
James, however, doesn't seem too concerned about that.
"He's not really caught up in all the hoopla -- that he's got to go out and show everybody that he can score at will," Cavaliers coach Paul Silas said. "He just played within himself."
James' statistics from his first two games: 14 points, 7-of-19 (37 percent) shooting, six rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, two blocked shots and six turnovers in 56 minutes.
But James has already had his moments.
Taking over games
On Wednesday, he had a one-handed breakaway dunk that left the sellout crowd in Asheville, N.C., buzzing.
He also showed that he has the ability to take over a game.
James was the most active player on the floor in the third quarter Tuesday against Detroit. He opened the period by hitting an open jumper, then made a series of nice passes, including a no-look touch pass to Ricky Davis for an easy basket.
James helped the Cavaliers outscore the Pistons 25-16 in the period to open a 23-point lead.
"He's already passing with the best of them right now," forward Carlos Boozer said. "His passing ability, his vision on the court, is going to be his niche by far. He'll be a scorer one day and do some other things, but his niche will always be his passing."
Silas agreed that James' passing, along with his defense, were the best parts of his performance through two preseason games.
Silas said James needs to be more consistent with his outside shooting. As Silas made the comment, James was on the Gund Arena practice court taking extra shots following a morning practice.
"It shows me that he's willing to work," Silas said.