Well, here we go. It’s a three-game series, and the Cavs are down 0-1. They’re 48 minutes away from tying this series up and going back to Cleveland for the deciding game. It’s not over. At least not yet. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not ready for LeBron’s last game as a Cav.
This game can be won. The Cavs have the talent. They won easily in Boston not that long ago. If they believe they can win this game, they can do it. LeBron says he knows what the stakes are. He needs to play like it, now more than ever. This entire team needs to hit the boards like their pride is on the line. No sloppy turnovers. Every possession could mean everything. Play defense on everyone, for the full 24 seconds, and get the ball if they miss.
Limit transition opportunities. Contest KG’s catches. Try to stop Ray Allen from getting it going. Hope Pierce doesn’t have one last bullet left in the holster.
On offense, play aggressive and confident. LeBron needs to come out early attacking and make the game his. Guys need to shoot when they’re left alone, and know when to reset when they don’t have the looks. Use Shaq to get in the bonus, then play matchup ball. Delonte’s gotta provide a spark. A lot of things need to go right. They can. The Cavs have won 67 games this season. They need two more right now.
A loss will hurt. If the Cavs go down fighting, I can take it. This team needs to play with pride. They need to play like they want another couple weeks of this. I do. I’m sure all of you do as well. This can happen. It is not over. But it needs to start right now. Not next game, not next quarter, not next possession. This is it. Having your back against the wall isn’t an excuse to quit. It’s an opportunity to leave everything out there. Any iota of effort this team doesn’t give will stay with them until their graves. 48 tough minutes, or a lifetime of infamy. It’s their choice.
Regardless of what happens, I love this team. I’ve loved watching them. I’ve loved talking about them. I’ve especially loved writing about them. It’s been a great journey. Let’s keep it going.
my work here is done… thank you gentlemen, for heeding to my desires of seeing sore losers from cleveland. well, i actually just met one tonight. See ya in another 40 years when you make the playoffs!! :o)
I love when trolls congratulate themselves for trolling. not realizing the failure that comes with being a troll in the first place.
JK was quick on deleting my comment. I guess the playground isn’t allowed to reach the internet. Rightfully so in the case of that outburst.
What are the chances Bassy picks up his option. Here’s looking forward to a starting lineup of Telfair, Parker, Jamison, Hickson, Varejao!
I’ll say this. I think this particular series is totally on LeBron’s poor play, whatever caused it, his fault or not. He lost this series. That’s what makes this summer so interesting. He didn’t go Orlando Magic this time; he actually played well below his standards, so can you even justify leaving after a showing like that?
But I think me and Rich were pretty adament about this same thing. The Magic were the best team and that even if LeBron was the real LeBron, we again didn’t have enough help for them to beat Orlando. So, why would he re-sign with a team that has clearly shown to be lacking the necessary support to win a championship. We had 4 or 5 no shows this playoffs, save for a quarter here or there.
So 2 strong forces playing on one another. LeBron causing his own exit vs. lack of supporting cast (again). What wins out?
Thanks for covering me, Rich, but this one’s on me. I let emotion get the best of me.
I don’t think we’re the sore losers here Russell… more like your the piece of trash winner.
For the sole fact that I did not get to see Hickson unleashed during this series, I would fully understand if Mike B. was fired. Even Pop gives in to small ball when it’s the right move.
BradleyH, while I agree based on this performance things wouldn’t have played out in our favor against Orlando. Of course there’s a reason games aren’t played on paper, so we’ll never know what would happen.
I’m hoping for a great Conference Finals. It will be interesting to see if Phoenix can get the Lakers into an up tempo game and ultimately limiting their size advantage. Not to mentiont the 3ball is the ultimate equalizer.
Hey Hylton,
Don’t worry about fighting my fights. If you saw my (now redacted) response to Russell, you’ll see that I’m more than capable of doing it myself.
That said, it was in bad taste, and I know you (and I) are a better commenter than that.
Good season, disappointing finish. I’ll miss cheering for this team.
already looking forward to the summer. Everyone should be hoping the Jazz resign Boozer and therefore shop Millsap. Varejao is something the Jazz need, and Millsap is something I want. HOPE WITH ME PEOPLE!!!
I hear ya Lance, I wasn’t trying to fight for anyone other than the posters on this blog. I haven’t noticed anyone make inappropriate comments about other teams/posters so I didn’t appreciate Russell’s comments.
So are we now hoping for an average season, great finish next year? :)
I’ll say this: watching the shots on TV of LeBron sitting down in the fourth quarter were downright heartbreaking. I know everyone’s engaged in a lot of amateur psychotherapy on LeBron the past few days, but I’ll throw out my opinion anyway: he looked like he knew he was beat. And after watching him play for 7 years, and seeing him absolutely destroy teams in the playoffs, with less help and against defenses just as good (and Boston’s defense was good), it was so difficult to watch. It was like he was trying to eke out the last bit, knowing that there was probably no way he was making it out. A guy on Simmons podcast today said LeBron (in game 5) looked like the kid who showed up to take the test, looked at the paper, and realized he didn’t know any of the answers. I’m not sure I agree with that for game 5, but on offense tonight, that’s exactly what I saw.
Yeah, it was a quiet triple double. But it wasn’t because he wasn’t trying. Something’s up with him. And for whatever reason, I’m much more sympathetic to that after this game than after game 5.
I’ll be ecstatic with 40 wins.
Rich, do you really think they’ll shop Varejao for Millsap? I like Millsap, but I’m not sure they’re going to trade a staple piece, for somewhat of an unknown commodity. I’m guessing Millsap will have a larger role here in Cleveland and we don’t know how he’ll handle that.
Sam, that last line was perfect. I’m much more sympathetic to his demeanor in this loss than the last few. Great point.
Sam, I’ll reserve judgement once we find out what was up. Because if it ends up he just wasn’t mentally tough enough to deal with an injury that will be a blow to his legacy as a player.
I thought Windy’s comment was interesting (and probably ture) – that LeBron will not win another MVP until he wins a championship. It doesn’t matter if the team he’s on goes 82-0. This series will leave a bad taste in the mouth unless a good reason is given to explain his 2nd round performance
I guarantee Gibson gets more PT next year. We only have 8 signed players not counting player/team option and qualifying offer.
Gotta love hoopshype salary page: http://hoopshype.com/salaries/cleveland.htm