Links To The Present: March 30, 2011
2011-03-30
“Let’s start with this: The fans were incredible last night. Absolutely amazing. Things were much more reserved at the start of the game than in December, but once the Cavs proved that they deserved the fans’ support, the crowd was electric. They inspired the home team and took the life out of the soft Heat players. I’ve heard the building that loud, but I’ve never heard it louder. The place was exploding with big shots at the end of the game.” [Michael Curry]
“The events Tuesday didn’t wipe everything away, but it was an escape complete with roller-coaster drama. The Cavs built and lost a 23-point lead in the second half, the crowd twisting with emotion all the way. The fans had mostly forgotten to continue to boo James, who was in the midst of a triple-double, because they wanted to cheer for their team too badly.” [Brian Windhorst]
“Miraculously, Hollins finished the night +33 in terms of point differential. Chris Bosh was -24.” [Scott Sargent]
“He’s a Bruin. We know the talent is there, it’s just a matter of him having that mentality. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been challenging him a lot. You can see us on the court, we go at it a lot. But I know I can challenge him to do the things necessary for us to win.” [Baron Davis on Ryan Hollins via Mary Schmitt Boyer]
“The atmosphere is always good here. Even when I played here the atmosphere was great. The fans are unbelievable and I’ve always said that and it was great for their team tonight.” [LeBron on Cavaliers fans]
NBA Playbook–one of my very favorite NBA sites–breaks down how poor closeouts from Heat defenders led to easy jumpers for the Cavs.
And Dan Devine preaches the Gospel of Baron.
On The Twitters
“Congrats to the city of Cleveland for that win. They deserve it. They have taken a lot this yr along with my former teammates.” [Mo Williams]
“To the best fans, u all deserve it! Thanks for your support tonight and all year! God bless!” [Anthony Parker]
“ALL FOR ONE! ONE FOR ALL! S/O to the Loyal Fans of CLE.. Best Fans in the NBA. U deserved that one.. #GoCavs” [Boobie Gibson]
“Ryan Hollins should walk into the nearest bar and do the LeBron chalk toss. People would love him forever and a day.” [Zac Jackson]
“You may not win them all, Cavs fans…but my, my, how sweet tonight must be! I’m sure Dan Gilbert will write a sweet letter.” [Michelle Beadle]
“Not in our garage!!” [Dan Gilbert]
“I’m the only man in America who bet $50,000 on the Cleveland Cavaliers. http://yfrog.com/gycfoayj” [Floyd Mayweather]
Granted this win was a lot on emotion but also if everyone steps up the Cavs can be a good team. But how often did that happen? Rarely if it all. While this win was great for the franchise for various reasons already mentioned, hopefully it teaches the guys they have to stick together and always step up their games no matter what. Think about it, had Bibby not even played or shot terribly the Cavs could have won by 20-25pts…thats insane. This game also showed that with a pure point guard who can put an opposing D on its… Read more »