In a single half, the Detroit Pistons¹ taught LeBron James everything he needs to know about defense² in the playoffs — and finished off yet another series comeback.

While Detroit moves on to its fourth straight Eastern Conference finals, the 21-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers superstar is left to ponder his dizzying lesson.

"They trapped me, they went under screens, they went over screens," said James, who was held to one second-half field goal Sunday in the Cavs' 79-61 Game 7 loss to Detroit. "I've seen almost every defense that I could possibly see for the rest of my career in this series.

"That's why they're Eastern Conference champions, and that's why they keep winning."

Playing in his first postseason, James was sensational³ at times for Cleveland, pushing the NBA title favorites to the brink⁴ of elimination⁵.