AD just hit his prime... a few years early.

AD has always been capable of this. he's had glimpses of this streak (this year) ever since his rookie season. he's always been a freak and a competitor. he's always had amazing handles and a smooth j, and great at defense. but there was a certain maturity and confidence lacking in his game. whether that was due to age, inexperience, injury, growing into his body or whatever. it's a strange thing where the national media just somehow kind of forgot about him when shiny new bigs (porzingis, giannis, KAT) came along. but now, suddenly, he's just there. he's arrived.

to me, the step back 3 pointer at the buzzer wasn't great because he hit it, it's because he had the brassy ones and actually took the shot... because he knew he could and would make it. i think the difference is now that he KNOWS he's the biggest and the baddest, and is starting to play like it. he knows he can take any game from any player. he's an alpha. even amongst other alphas, and no one wants a piece of him.

you see him walk around post brilliance and it's not celebration. it's that thing that jordan had. kobe had. lebron had. and now AD is getting. that swagger of "that's right. i'm the fricking man. of course i did that. and i'm gonna do it again."

it's been a pleasure watching him come of age. blessing in a boogie injury disguise. let's enjoy it for as long it lasts. he's a true superstar capable of dragging the pels to the playoffs from here on out. hopefully the front office gives him what he needs to compete for a title.