Preview: Cavaliers at Celtics, May 13th
2010-05-13Well, 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.
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
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
Sam, that last line was perfect. I’m much more sympathetic to his demeanor in this loss than the last few. Great point.
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.
I’ll be ecstatic with 40 wins.
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… Read more »
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? :)
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!!!