Cavaliers Fall In Game #7 To Celtics

Okay, before the season started we predicted the Cavaliers would be a second round out in this year’s playoffs, only to change that pick and take Washington over Cleveland in round #1 of the 2008 playoffs based on Arenas’ return and how the Cavaliers were playing at the time – uninspired basketball as the regular season ended. Thankfully, our March instincts were off. You should always go with your first instincts.

We unfortunately go this series right, as Boston used home court advantage to win in seven – despite the excellent play of James in the season finale. His inspired play kept them within range and gave Cavs fans some faint hope.

We could give you a dozen reasons why the Celtics won, but that’s not necessary now is it? Remember - the Cavliers never led.

The main reason they lost is simple - 23 didn’t get enough help while Garnett’s running-mate – Paul Pierce - showed up huge with a 40+ night in the series finale.

There simply isn’t much else to say in terms of the Cavaliers. It's Groundhog Day every night with them. They are the only NBA team without at least two legitimate scorers, and until management gets 23 a legitimate running-mate, it will be more of the same – LJ trying to carry 11 other guys over the finish line while hoping a couple of his friends help with the final kick.

Gibson was their most consistent role player in the post-season in 2007, but unfortunately, he was slowed by injuries this season, and unavailable in game #7. Had he been present, it might have made a difference, but then again, if Norwood doesn’t go wide right against the Giants in the Super Bowl, Bill Belichick (the cheater) might not be heading to Canton someday to be indicted in the Pro Football HOF. We’ll make sure to be out of town for that induction ceremony.

As for the game, I though Mike Brown did a solid job coaching with one noticeable exception – James should NEVER have come out of the game in the second quarter. When he did, we cringed, and acted like a fan yelling at the tv set hoping Brown coud hear my objection. He didn't. More importantly, what followed was his team being outscored 5-0 during that ugly stretch – and that was basically the difference in the contest.

They (Cavaliers) went from down six to down 11 quickly during that brief 1+ minute stretch 23 sat. To his credit, Brown did get him back in quickly, realizing he needed LJ on the floor to stop the bleeping.

If LJ asked to come out, we take back our criticism of Brown, but if it was a coach’s decision – it was a bad one. We noted in our last entry prior to tip-off, James needed to be on the floor for the full 48 today. Now, unfortunately, he has all summer to rest.

Look, they (Cavs) didn’t win as many games as last year and certainly were not as consistent at either end of the floor. Management tried a remedy – making a huge trade to change the make-up of the team – including bringing in three new starters. But in the end, all that did was shuffle the deck. We liked the deal, but re-iterated that no impact players were added with the move, and subsequently, they lost to a better team in Boston in the playoffs.

Now it’s up to Danny Ferry to go back to work and add the following before the 2008-09 season begins - acquire a legitimate scorer that you can count on for 18-20 points a night (Antwan Jamison sounds about right) and add more overall athleticism to the roster.

Otherwise, it will be more of the same for James and company next year, no matter how they dress it up.