We got 'em right where we want 'em

[jb]

F U Jobu, it is a long series.

The bad Cavs showed up last night. The team that plays clunkers now and again and loses to Charlotte. Stupid decisions, bricks being shot, getting outhustled and playing lazy basketball. The Cavs got their asses cliniced.

Remember when I was writing that the Pistons were overrated and not that good,a nd their D was especially overrated? You see that now? San Antone? THAT'S some good assed D. No one is spot open for treys, they know how to D up Bron and not give up the rest of the court, and they play together. This is a differentbreed of cat.

Thing is, I believe in the Cavs' ability to learn and improve in series. Theyhung with this team except for 2 spurst where they just played dumb ball, and they shot like shit and got outhustled on the glass. They are capable of playing so much better than they did.

Quick thoughts:

Parker killed us. he brokw us down. Hughes has gotta go off him. nd you cant have Bron wasting his energy Ding Parker. I don't knwo what else to do except TRY Snowon him and rotate Gibson. I think Snow is too slow and will get beaten, but he's so good at keeping his man in front of him you have to try. Maybe he figures something out. Gibson just lacks the experience and should get eaten, but he's the only man on the team quick enough to physically match up.

Z did a great job on Duncan. More of that. Get Gooden off him. Andy didn't do bad. Rotate Z & Andy on him.

Bron has to start spotting up his J early and get his rythem down rather than set up team mates. It is all he's getting. he has to hit. Once he does that, they will need to change their D scheme and the red sea will part for the team. Until they don't, things will be more clogged than Joe Tait's arteries.

I am in no way ledging. In fact, I think we have them right where we want them.

[Lebowski]

For playing such a shitty game, it was damn close for 2.5 quarters.

My problem?

Why does Bron constantly call for the on-the-ball pick? All it does is clog things up and BRINGS teh double TO him. He makes it easy onn the Spurs.

He should flatten the court out, with the otehr 4 hombres on the baseline and see if Bowen can check him one on one. If they bring the double then, he has an open guy in the corner or an open guy by the bucket.

Also, can he please post Bowen up? Iso him on one block, with the rest on the other side of the court, and muscle that skinny bitch. Running Bron off some screens, so he is curling to the basket wouldn't hurt either.

[Nicastro13]

Hughes is a liability out there, Brown is still too reluctant to pull him out of the starting lineup, Gibson should be starting, he is the only one who has a shot with parker, they did this during the year starting him against TJ FOrd, They hould make the move, no way he should be on the bench...He is the second best scoring threat on this team, also DOnyell should be out...his D is terrible nad forget about him making a three...the worst thing that has happened this playoffs was his game 6 vs the nets...now Brown thinks he can still hit those shots and he isn't, but you know he is still taking them, I would rather see scott pollard log some miuntes for his D on Duncan...

[Mr. MacPhisto]

Hughes is a liability out there, Brown is still too reluctant to pull him out of the starting lineup, Gibson should be starting, he is the only one who has a shot with parker, they did this during the year starting him against TJ FOrd, They hould make the move, no way he should be on the bench...He is the second best scoring threat on this team, also DOnyell should be out...his D is terrible nad forget about him making a three...the worst thing that has happened this playoffs was his game 6 vs the nets...now Brown thinks he can still hit those shots and he isn't, but you know he is still taking them, I would rather see scott pollard log some miuntes for his D on Duncan...

Dead on with Gibson. He's the only guy who's fast enough to guard Parker. He's also one of the guys we have that can attempt to break down the defense of the Spurs.

I also think everyone needs to get to the arena three hours early and work on their shooting. Ick.

[rk]

F U Jobu

You're an ass, Jim.

[dpdad]

Agree about Gibson. He needs way more playing time than he got last night. He's the only defender with the quickness to keep up with Parker, and offensively he can spread out the Spurs defense and open up some lanes for LeBron.

The Cavs do have some big bodies to match up with the Spurs. Duncan provides the scoring presence inside that Detroit didn't have. I think Pollard also needs to see some minutes to pound on Duncan and keep him out of the paint.

Can or will Mike Brown make the necessary adjustments? It's on him now. If the Spurs take game two, it's all but over. I just can't see the Cavs coming back from two games down in this series.

[StewieG]

I agree with having Pollard play a few minutes. Not a lot, but a few to bang on Duncan and see if he can wear on him.

Also, is Shannon Brown still injured? If he's not, I dress him and scratch Newble and have him guard Parker for a little while. Yes, I know he hasn't played since January or something like that, but at this point it can't hurt. Hughes has gutted out a very painful injury, and props to him for that, but he can't help us in this series. I still start him, but I don't play him more than 12 minutes in the entire game.

[dragonmeister]

No Cav had a really good game last night but we only lost by 9 points . . . so do you guys feel confident that if LeBron or Boobie or Z have a good game that we're right back in it?

[GreatGoo]

Please answer the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of having Damon Jones on the court? He doesn't play good defense and he doesn't take shots. Thought he was a offensive specialist? The only reason he is out there is to spread the floor but he doesn't even do that well. Put him at the end of the bench.

2. Why is Marshall even out on the floor? He is a professional brick layer. His skills have gone down dramatically in the past 2 seasons. Blows my mind that the guy is still a pro and getting playing time. My least favorite Cav throughout the whole year. Constantly laying bricks since 2005.

3. Why not play Snow? He has the most experience on the team and he could possibly guard Parker. At least give it a shot. James is the only one who could guard him but he needs to conserve his energy.

4. Let see those boobies! Why isn't Boobie playing more minutes? Guy is lights out right now and has done pretty well defensively. Talk about a guy that can spread the floor and hit open shots. He needs more playing time. Bottom line!

I'm really not upset about the loss last night. The series isnt over till we lose a home game in my opinion. Lebron will play better on Sunday and Mike Brown will find a way to limit the big 3 more then the 1st game.

[swerb]

I would agree with dpdad that this series is really now on Mike Brown to make the necessary adjustments.

Yeah, we should have known what was coming at us last night with Brown and Ferry being a part of this org, which self-admittedly still calls the same plays from 4-5 years go. Yeah, we've beat em three of the last four reg season.

This is different. We're different. They're different. Both teams were coming off layoffs amid the hoopla of a game one of the NBA Finals. We did not look like a team that was supposed to intimately know our foe last night.

Master of the obvious takes, some of which have already been hit on ...

~We gotta keep Frenchie out of the paint.

Larry Hughes cannot do it. Even with two good wheels Larry would be hard pressed to do it. Larry's length is much more effective against a Billups type who uses the pick and roll and off the ball screens for jumpers, or running 12 footers. Frenchie attacks the paint like a rabid dog, and the conversion % of a made easy bucket by he or Duncan on a dish off when he gets in there is frightening.

Hughes is hobbled. Snow is too slow. Damon is a matador. Sasha isn't quick or smart enough.

Compunding Parker's effectiveness? Sans Andy, all our bigs are softies who provide little help, or are too slow of foot (Z) or BBall IQ challenged (Drew) to help without leaving the swimmer from Wake wide freaking open.

Mr. Gibson, this series depends on your ability to defend the league's premier penetrator. Welcome to the show rook. Also, I agree with Stewie. Put Ira in a suit and dress my boy Shannon.

~We gotta do something about The Big Fundamental.

Duncan murdered us on the offensive glass last night. We gotta play rough with him. Z did a decent job in spots, and did a good job contesting that 13 foot bank shot Duncan likes, but is too slow to hang with him on pick and rolls. Andy looked a little too charged last night and was constantly getting caught out of position. I would use Pollard to harass him. Cause you can't even consider Drew or Donyell.

~We gotta find different ways to get LeBron the ball.

Count me among the lot that remembered the game Bron dropped 40+ on the Spurs, and felt he would have an easier time attacking against Bowen and The Help as opposed to the super long Tayshaun and his help.

Wrong! Jack Germando? Wrong! Elanor Clift? Wrong!

That was impressive last night. I don't think I've EVER seen LeBron defended that well.

While 8 days off will make jumpers rusty ... it sure as hell made for fresh legs defensively, and as crisp of a defensive effort that I've ever seen on a star player.

Bowen is The Man. And the help was absolutely extraordinary. The Cavs gotta find other ways to get him the ball, or they have no prayer of winning a game in Texas. Exclusively getting Bron the ball at the top of the key with 14 on the clock, will not work. He needs to take that annoying prick Bowen down on the block. Set some picks himself. Run him through the paint off Andy's hip.

~Rotation thoughts ...

Roker already said there would be no changes to the starting lineup. That's fine, as long as Larry's not still out there with 4 min left in the 1Q.

I would put Ira in a suit. I'd activate Shannon.

I'd keep the starting lineup the same, but go to Andy and Boobie early in the 1st and 3rd quarters.

Sadly, there's no place for Snow in this series unless Manu starts killing Sasha. That's all you can use Snow for against these guys, outside of bringing him in at the ends of quarters for defensive series.

I'd use Pollard to annoy and shove Duncan around. I'd get Shannon some minutes spelling Boobie when he gets tired (mid 2Q if he enters 4-5 min into the game) to see what he has, see how rusty he is, see if you can use him.

Donyell Marshall should not see the floor. He's fat, slow, exposed defensively, and brings nothing to the table outside of what has regressed into a lukewarm 3 pt %.

Game two is huge. We win, we're in charge. We lose? We're all but done. Spurs will not lose back to backs at home in games 6 and 7, which means we'd need to beat them 3 straight in CTown to have a prayer.

[leadpipe]

Many good points here, however, if they continue to miss the WIDE open looks Lebron gives them passing out of the time line triple team, many are moot. The open guys have to shoot the ball better. They just do.

[hermanfontenot]

Not doubling Fabio Oberto down low and leaving Bowen open from his corner office might be a good idea.

Bowen did a nice job on LBJ, but really, the only difference between his performance and Tayshauns was the help given by San Antonio's bigs, which was superb. Oberto especially showed and recovered extremely well and was very physical. Z is going to get that 15-18 footer, and he needs to hit it.

I'm on the verge of thinking LBJ should cover Tony Parker full-time. I know it takes away from his energy on the offensive end, but he does a great job on the little Frenchman, and we don't have anyone else who can even slow him down. Tim will get his- that's just the way it is. But we have to, have to, have to contain Tony Parker, or we get drubbed.

[Hi Oktane]

~We gotta do something about The Big Fundamental.

Duncan murdered us on the offensive glass last night. We gotta play rough with him. Z did a decent job in spots, and did a good job contesting that 13 foot bank shot Duncan likes, but is too slow to hang with him on pick and rolls. Andy looked a little too charged last night and was constantly getting caught out of position. I would use Pollard to harass him. Cause you can't even consider Drew or Donyell.

OK, I am certainly not one to complain about officiating and am not ignorant or blind enough to suggest that the refs cost us the game. They did not. I will suggest though that the way the game was being called last night likely had some affect on how we played the Spurs, and specifically Duncan, defensively, not to mention how Lebron chose to play offensively. I agree we need to be physical, but we can't get whistled every time we breathe on the guy. If we do, we will lose.

Bowen is The Man. And the help was absolutely extraordinary. The Cavs gotta find other ways to get him the ball, or they have no prayer of winning a game in Texas. Exclusively getting Bron the ball at the top of the key with 14 on the clock, will not work. He needs to take that annoying prick Bowen down on the block. Set some picks himself. Run him through the paint off Andy's hip

As long as the ball's in LBJ's hands on the perimeter, the Spurs are going to make Lebron prove he can hit the 18-20 footer with regularity. He either needs to be willing and able to knock it down, and/or we have got to get him the ball heading toward the bucket or in the low post. And, King has got to make quicker decisions with the rock.

I'd keep the starting lineup the same, but go to Andy and Boobie early in the 1st and 3rd quarters.

All that other stuff contributed to the "effort" last night, but THIS is where we lost the game. There is no way in hell our best offensive player for the last two games (and Andy) should have been left on the bench so long in the 3rd in favor of Hughes (and Z).

Like you say and I have said, this series will be won by the team that is able to make the best adjustments. And if we can even attain a draw in that regard, Lebron should prove the difference.[/quote]

[Hi Oktane]

--Combined minutes of Cleveland's best unit that would give the Spurs the most trouble if they ever played together at the same time (Gibson, LeBron, Pavlovic, Gooden, Varejao): 6.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/st ... ons/070608

[FUDU]

The thing that frustrated me the most about game 1's loss was LeBron.

I know he will not and cannot be DG5* Lebron every night (meaning how hot he got and the numbers he put up), but I do expect to see him making the best decisions possible 90% of the time night in and night out.

Yesterday's biggest problem with LeBron (and it really had a negative affect on the whole offense) was LeBron catching the ball and standing around thinking too much, thinking too much to end up doing virtually nothing.

He already proved to himself and the rest of the world how effective and dangerous he is when he gets it and goes, no matter what decision he makes (whether to shoot jumpers or drive). Not saying he needs to get it n go every trip down the floor but he has to mix it up A LOT.

Stalling as he does, or pussy footing as I prefer to call it does not get much accomplished against good defensive teams. The Pistons proved it throughout good parts of that series and SA is much better defensively than Detroit and they proved it last night.

When LeBron falls into that bad habit all it does is give the opponent, both the individual defender and the team, extra time to gather themselves, find LeBron and brace themselves or adjust their position.

I DVD'd the game and reviewed the first half today and I counted 4 times in which he caught the ball and 4 seconds or more went by before he moved, dribbled, passed or shot. 4 seconds is an eternity in the NBA. Two of those times he had more than a step/angle advantage on Bowen for getting into the lane.

Two other times he forced the issue too much and went to deep in, he had 7-10 footers open but decided not to even attempt them.

He also passed on a very wide open 3, I don't care if there were 14 seconds on the shot clock or not.

Another habit of his that he has been living and dying on this post season is the cross court skip pass. Yesterday he attempted two while already in mid air, that is very very dangerous. The reason he ends up having to do that stems from when he initially gets the ball and waits too long to do something.

This is my biggest complaint about him right now.

It frustrated me so much yesterday b/c we were hanging with the Spurs for the most part off n on and our D was solid. It was a game in which if LeBron made a difference we could have stole a victory.

Some credit needs to be given to SA's D but mostly LeBron hurt himself yesterday.


*= Detroit Game 5

[FUDU]

No Cav had a really good game last night but we only lost by 9 points

Game 1 was the prototypical "game was not as close as the score".

SA beat us by 15-20 last night.

[jb]

F U Jobu

You're an ass, Jim.

Welcome back. Like I always try to tell you, be positive and have faith.

[pup]

So LeBron does not play superman for one game and we are back to ripping him to shreads.

Look, as much as any of us wanted to push the idea, game 1 was going to be very tough. They had no idea what SA was going to do to defend LBJ. Now he has an idea. I am guessing in game 2, we will see him using the big man who hedges the screen as another screener and chase him right down the lane. This will open up many things and be one of several key moves to allow us to be less offensive on offense.

[FUDU]

Not ripping him to shreds just questioning why he couldn't at least be smart make some kind of positive impact LeBron instead of what we saw last night.

He shouldn't need to wait and see what they are going to do defend him. He should not be the one reacting he should be making them react and he should be setting the tone.

That is what good teams and the greats do...no matter what the sport.

I am just disappointed b/c I thought after the Detroit series and James getting his "opportunity" that we would see that from him right away instead having to hope to see it.

[pup]

You will see it.

The Spurs came with a different game plan defensively than what the Cavs have seen in the past. They did most of their doubling once he began heading to the basket, using it to cut him off, instead of early on making him give the ball up.

They will see this on the films. Remember, most of the greats have had someone else on their team that could take attention away or help in the defining of a defense. LBJ does not.

People jumped off after Game 2 against Detroit. Once again, all SA did was hold serve. This series does not begin until someone wins on the other teams home floor.

The three biggest Cav playoff series over the last two years they have been down early. LeBron has always figured out what needs to happen to get them back in front of the first two. I see no reason to not believe he can/will do it again.

[FUDU]

People jumped off after Game 2 against Detroit. Once again, all SA did was hold serve. This series does not begin until someone wins on the other teams home floor.

I agree many have, me not being one of them. That is not what I am doing here either. I stated from the start we can lose and be OK as long as we show some ability to grasp what they are doing and hold our own. However at some point getting down early (in regards to a series) has to change. You cannot keep digging holes for yourself to climb out of.

I just expect to see some progression in this are from LeBron. Like I stated earlier a hallmark of good teams and great players is setting the tone and dictating to the other team, not reacting to what the other team dictates.

IMO if we go down 0-2 to SA it will be much more difficult to make is a series as opposed to Detroit.

[pup]

IMO if we go down 0-2 to SA it will be much more difficult to make is a series as opposed to Detroit.

Why exactly? I wasn't as impressed with the mighty Spurs as most. We shot about 25% from the field. Our best player didn't make a shot until midway through the 3rd quarter. Our coach made no adjustments until 5 minutes were left in the game. We sat our best player with 45 seconds left, DOWN 8 Points.

And we still lost by 9. You can say it was not indicative, but I disagree. There is only one score that matters. The Final.

We had an open look to cut it to 5 with 1:00 left. You realize what can happen in a 5 point game in a minute correct?

Did the Spurs play their best? No, but they played a hell of a lot closer to their best than we did.

The Cavs are one of the best home teams, and worst road teams in the league. It only makes sense that they struggle in the opening couple of games of a series on the road. But they get it together and claw back into series when the games come back to Cleveland. As series go on, the basketball brain dead Cavs finally figure out what teams are doing to them and then the better physical tools win. I believe we have the best collection of athletes, it just so happens they are not overly bright and it takes them awhile to catch on. I even wrote about it back in February:
http://www.swerbsblurbs.com/article_detail.php?id=1314.

I know I implied you jumped off FUDU, and I didn't mean it that way. It was about the national media jumping off, much like they are right now (and a few local guys as well).

This is not the time to bail.

[consigliere]

The Spurs came with a different game plan defensively than what the Cavs have seen in the past. They did most of their doubling once he began heading to the basket, using it to cut him off, instead of early on making him give the ball up.

You know, I keep hearing about all the adjustments the Cavaliers are going to make......and I 100% believe they will make some adjustments (whether or not they work or are implemented in game is another thing). But, isn't SA going to make some adjustments too? Just because they won and checked Lebron well, to me, doesn't mean they will be sitting around playing Super Mario Brothers the next few days waiting for Game 2.

Pop is a great coach, and I could see him throwing Mike Brown another curveball for Game 2. He isn't going to completely change what worked in Game 1, but knowing the Cavaliers will attempt to make some adjustments, you would have to think that Pop and the Spurs will work on some other things to add in offensively and defensively to counter those assumed adjustments, no?

People jumped off after Game 2 against Detroit. Once again, all SA did was hold serve. This series does not begin until someone wins on the other teams home floor.

What happens if this series goes seven games, and the home team wins every game? Has the series started yet?

[consigliere]

Why exactly? I wasn't as impressed with the mighty Spurs as most. We shot about 25% from the field. Our best player didn't make a shot until midway through the 3rd quarter. Our coach made no adjustments until 5 minutes were left in the game. We sat our best player with 45 seconds left, DOWN 8 Points.

Dood.

Okay, look, putting on my devil's advocate shoes for the millionth time....do the Spurs not get any credit for inducing the Cavaliers into shooting 30% from the field? Or, locking down Lebron? Or, that their coach is better than our coach? Sometimes, the other team deserves some props. Yeah, the Cavaliers didn't play their best....but who influenced that shoddy play more, the Cavs themselves or the Spurs?

[pup]

What happens if this series goes seven games, and the home team wins every game? Has the series started yet?

No, but it will end soon

You know, I keep hearing about all the adjustments the Cavaliers are going to make......and I 100% believe they will make some adjustments (whether or not they work or are implemented in game is another thing). But, isn't SA going to make some adjustments too? Just because they won and checked Lebron well, to me, doesn't mean they will be sitting around playing Super Mario Brothers the next few days waiting for Game 2.

Not to make a direct comparison, but do you think Detroit went and played Donkey Kong after game 1, when they held LBJ to a nearly identical line? SA is better than Detroit, I know. Damn, I feel like going Denny Green right now with his whole crowning the Bears speech. The Spurs are good (this is the Finals, right?). To completely write off the Cavs, who are also pretty good, is a mistake, IMO.

Pop is a great coach, and I could see him throwing Mike Brown another curveball for Game 2. He isn't going to completely change what worked in Game 1, but knowing the Cavaliers will attempt to make some adjustments, you would have to think that Pop and the Spurs will work on some other things to add in offensively and defensively to counter those assumed adjustments, no?

Well, unless the Spurs have someone at Cavs practices, I find it hard to believe he will come in with adjustments to our adjustments. Who is to say Mike Brown doesn't have an adjustment for Pops adjustment to Browns' original adjustment.

Okay, look, putting on my devil's advocate shoes for the millionth time....do the Spurs not get any credit for inducing the Cavaliers into shooting 30% from the field? Or, locking down Lebron? Or, that their coach is better than our coach? Sometimes, the other team deserves some props. Yeah, the Cavaliers didn't play their best....but who influenced that shoddy play more, the Cavs themselves or the Spurs?

You ask, I will answer.

Of course the Spurs get credit. They are one of the two teams currently playing for the NBA Championship.

The Cavs missed a large amount of open shots, more than even they usually miss, which led to the 30% shooting. I believe the moment and the Cavs not being ready for it influenced their play as much as anything. The Cavs were fine, until SA made a run. Against Detroit, the Cavs handled all of their runs, and were able to stay calm and relax. Thursday, they panicked, forced shots, and complained about calls. I expect a much more focused Cavalier team in Game 2.

I ain't saying this is going to be easy, but I have to wonder why some of you guys will even watch the rest of the Finals, since they are obviously done after 1 game.

[consigliere]

Not to make a direct comparison, but do you think Detroit went and played Donkey Kong after game 1, when they held LBJ to a nearly identical line? SA is better than Detroit, I know. Damn, I feel like going Denny Green right now with his whole crowning the Bears speech. The Spurs are good (this is the Finals, right?). To completely write off the Cavs, who are also pretty good, is a mistake, IMO.

No one is writing off the Cavs. They still have a decent shot to win this thing, although that would take a serious hit if they lose Game 2.

That said, the comp between Detroit and the Spurs, and Flip and Pop is like night and day. The Spurs are just that much better of a team, and that much better coached.

So, no, it would not surprise me if the Pistons were in fact playing Donkey Kong between Games 1 and 2.

Well, unless the Spurs have someone at Cavs practices, I find it hard to believe he will come in with adjustments to our adjustments. Who is to say Mike Brown doesn't have an adjustment for Pops adjustment to Browns' original adjustment.

Like I said, assumed adjustments.

Like you said, look at the film. Several of you on here already have advocated what the Cavs should do adjustment-wise. The talking hacks on the radio and TV as well. So, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what Mike Brown is going to do. In fact, I believe I heard some sound bites from Mike Brown yesterday explaining what they are going to do (clog the paint, etc).

It will be interesting to see what adjustments the Cavs make, and if they have any effect. Also, what wrinkles the Spurs throw in.

I ain't saying this is going to be easy, but I have to wonder why some of you guys will even watch the rest of the Finals, since they are obviously done after 1 game.

I don't get this statement. Who has said they are done?

What, because some people challenge the notion that the Cavs will make some adjustments and we'll be fine?

The Cavaliers can very well win this series, and come game time I know I will be rooting hard for them to win whether I have the feeling going into the game they may win or lose.

I like to look at things from both sides of the spectrum, not just the team I am rooting for. One of my pet peeves as a fan is how one-sided fans can be and totally diss the opponent. Not saying anyone here, just in general.

[pup]

I don't get this statement. Who has said they are done?

More of a feel I get from discussing the series with many more people than on this board.

One of my pet peeves as a fan is how one-sided fans can be and totally diss the opponent. Not saying anyone here, just in general.

And one of mine is placing opponents on pedastals, you know, in general.

[consigliere]

More of a feel I get from discussing the series with many more people than on this board.

I haven't come across many people that have given up. I've listened to a lot of radio the last day and a half, and the talk is still mostly positive that we will win. Haven't heard many crying the blues that it is all over, if any.

I think, if anything, the Cleveland fans have been humbled somewhat. And, rightfully so. The talk going into the game was a little over the top, so we were bound for a little bit of a reality check.

And one of mine is placing opponents on pedastals, you know, in general.

When you are the elite team of the league the last 10 years, you deserve to be put on a pedestal. It it your team's job to knock them off it. They showed a stat the other day that the Spurs have the best winning percentage of any team IN ANY SPORT the last 10 years. Pedestal earned.

Now, I can get how putting teams like the Pistons or even the Heat on a pedestal it stupid. I have been wrong in the past for doing that......but for goodness sakes, the Spurs deserve to be on it. But, it doesn't mean someone can't knock them off it and became the new King to the throne. Hopefully that is the Cavs.

[jb]

No one is writing off the Cavs. They still have a decent shot to win this thing, although that would take a serious hit if they lose Game 2.

Just $ 0.02 - If e lose on a heartbreaker or bad bounces by 2 or 3 points, we are alive & kicking in a 2 - 3 -2 format.

If we lose like we did Thursday, we will be done in 4 or 5 games.

[jb]

I think, if anything, the Cleveland fans have been humbled somewhat. And, rightfully so. The talk going into the game was a little over the top, so we were bound for a little bit of a reality check.

Feh.

Tomy, in my 40 + years on the planet and as I've been into this since about age 7, I've seen a Cleveland championship series now 3 whole times.

I was old enough to see the 1974 - 75 Golden State Warriors and Rick Barry as a one man gang.

So whether I chooe to go in with my heart on fire or cowering from TCE it isn't going to make a GD bit of difference.

And intellectualizing this thing isn't what it is about right now for me, personally, so I could care less whether anything is real or not. We need to win 4 our of the next 6. Jobu can still blow me.

I'll worry about reality when the closck says 00:00:00 and the Spurs notch 4, assuming a) the lock is actualy working, and B ) the Spurs notch four.

[consigliere]

Tomy, in my 40 + years on the planet and as I've been into this since about age 7, I've seen a Cleveland championship series now 3 whole times.

So whether I chooe to go in with my heart on fire or cowering from TCE it isn't going to make a GD bit of difference. And intellectualizing this thing isn't what it is about right now for me, personally, so I could care less whether anything is real or not. We need to win 4 our of the next 6. Jobu can still blow me.

I'm witchu on that, and this just amplifies the importance of what we are seeing. Championship series just don't come around all too often in Cleveland.

This town is starved for a winner. You only have to see THe Q being sold out on THurs WHILE THE CAVS WERE IN SA to see that. People want to "be there" and soak it all in because it feels like a warm sunny day after 364 days of bitter cold.

That said, believing and wanting to win is one thing. Getting whooped into a frenzy into near absurdity is another, which is what I was hearing on the airwaves since the end of the Detroit game on Sat to the start of the SA game on Thurs.

Just sayin.

[hermanfontenot]

Tomy, in my 40 + years on the planet and as I've been into this since about age 7, I've seen a Cleveland championship series now 3 whole times.

So whether I chooe to go in with my heart on fire or cowering from TCE it isn't going to make a GD bit of difference. And intellectualizing this thing isn't what it is about right now for me, personally, so I could care less whether anything is real or not. We need to win 4 our of the next 6. Jobu can still blow me.

I'm witchu on that, and this just amplifies the importance of what we are seeing. Championship series just don't come around all too often in Cleveland.

This town is starved for a winner. You only have to see THe Q being sold out on THurs WHILE THE CAVS WERE IN SA to see that. People want to "be there" and soak it all in because it feels like a warm sunny day after 364 days of bitter cold.

That said, believing and wanting to win is one thing. Getting whooped into a frenzy into near absurdity is another, which is what I was hearing on the airwaves since the end of the Detroit game on Sat to the start of the SA game on Thurs.

Just sayin.

Very well put. Some either don't know, or don't want to know, what the Cavaliers were in for going into this series.

Cleveland winning would be a bigger upset than the 48-34 '75 Warriors sweeping 60-win Washington. The Bullets didn't have three championships of recent vintage. And Rick Barry had played in the Finals before.

We win, we're in Miracle on Ice territory.