Boobie. That’s all the Cavs needed, a little Boobie. Behind LeBron James and new his newest running mate, Daniel “Boobie” Gibson, the Cavaliers held serve at home, winning Game 4 91-87. What looked to be a harsh education for the younger Cavs at the hands of the elder, more experienced, more poised Pistons has become something more in the span of three days, and with short turnarounds the rest of the series youth just may be served in 2007. The Cavaliers did it the hard way again, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first half before seeing it evaporate in the 3rd quarter. Lucky for us Cleveland has taken ownership of the 4th quarter in the playoffs, and in winning 10 of 14 this postseason have prven it can be a successful formula.

Obviously James was huge, and watching Charles Barkley eat crow after every game is truly satifying. Barkley doesn’t understand why so many people are getting on him for critcizing James. James, says Chucky, isn’t “above the law”. He’s right. But Barkley has been so two faced about it, so blatant in his obese jealousy, that it has clouded his thought. Sure, if James plays porrly, or gets lethargic on the floor, criticize, I know I have, but don’t be hypocritical, don’t be two faced, have an opinion and stick to it.

I refuse to let the Round Mound of BS bring me down, however. Just how damn good was Daniel Gibson last night? 21 points, 12/12 from teh free throw line. Big shot after big shot. The only Cavs player that realizes that the scroing counts during the third quarter. Gibson is small in stature, but has the heart of a 7-footer. Right now the Pistons havce no answer for Gibson, and by the time they get one it might be too late. With Larry Hughes on the floor the Pistons can pack the lane and keep 4 guys with an eye on LeBron. Gibson, on the other hand, is forcing Detroit to guard him, which spreads the floor and gives James just enough of a lane to get to the basket. It’s the role Hughes was signed to play.

Speaking of Hughes, I have been anti-Hughes for a long time. His output just doesn’t equal his paycheck. That aside I have to tip my cap to Larry for toughing it out last night. He is a veteran, and just his presence on the floor to start the game was a calming influence for the Cavs. It’s a mental thing for a young team, and Hughes suiting up, playing 10 minutes in the first quarter, scoring the first hoop of the game, set the Cavs on their way. Though I have my complaints about Larry, he showed alot of heart and leadership last night.

Mike Brown makes me laugh. He really does. He is a young guy, but there is no doubt he is an old school guy. Case in point, his attitude towards rookies. Last night, during Borwn’s post game press conference he spent 13 seconds “praising” Daniel Gibson’s play, going so far as to say Gibson played “well”. He proceeded to go on a minute-long lovefest on Eric Snow, who played a grand total of 65 seconds, scoring 1 point. Brown couldn’t say enough glowing things about Snow, his defense, and how hard it is for a guy to sit for 46:55, have his number called, and make a major impact on the game. Sure, Snow’s free throw was huge, and the loose ball foul he picked up on Billups came at a huge time, but without Gibson the Cavs get swept in this series.

As for the Pistons, I guess now is the part of the series that we hear that “the Cavs have their attention” and “now the Pistons will start to play”. Are you kidding me? You think Detroit wants to play 6 or 7 games against the Cavs? Sure, it helped them alot last year after “coasting” against Cleveland. The Heat kicked their ass. The goal is to finsih a series as soon as you can, to save your body. So keep telling yourself that, Piston fans, and enjoy another ass-whooping should you survive this cake-walk series.

Obviously Game 5 in a 2-2 series is huge. The Cavs should be highly confident, not just because they have won the last two, but becuase of their Game 5 win last season. Cleveland knows they can beat Detroit, and they know they can beat them in the Palace. Take a deep breath, Piston fan, the King and his court are coming.

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