The Morning After: Luck Runs Out

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 10:12 AM CDT in The Morning After Comment 53 comments

He who hath been given a crown and white horse, and shall go forth for to conquer men

Last night's loss was soul-crushing, devastating, heartbreaking, and 1000 other negative superlatives. After a first half that saw nearly everything go our way -- offensive fouls on Howard, a 67-foot buzzer beater by Mo -- the second half left us wondering why our blog isn't called Third Quarter Collapse. And our luck ran out. A three-point attempt by Delonte in the final seconds was no good, and Mo's last-ditch effort off the tip missed by inches, proving he had spent whatever was left in his bank of good karma.

107-106.

Devastating.

I may not have grown up during the "heyday" of Cleveland sports awfulness, but I know all too well the suffering. I spent twenty minutes throwing things around my house, waking my roommate and scaring the neighbors. Thousands of questions raced through my head. I know a lot of you had similar thoughts running through your heads last night and still do today..

How could we blow such a good start? How could we let ourselves revert back to the "LeBron dribbles for 20 seconds then takes an ill-advised jumper" offense? How much would we have lost by had LBJ not put the weight of the world on his shoulders? Should LBJ have taken the last shot?

Perhaps more metaphysical...

Is this team going to be like the '95 Indians? Dominate the entire year only to lose out on perhaps its best chance ever at a title? Does an Eastern Conference Finals exit mean that LeBron is gone for sure?

Well get that nonsense out of your head!

Listen:

There is no way our Cavaliers could dominate their first two opponents so badly and lose this series. I don't care if we played the Washington Generals; we dominated the first two rounds so handily, I'm surprised they didn't give us a bye into the Finals. You're gonna tell me that this ragged bunch of Disney Darlings -- a team that struggled to beat a weak Philly team and barely beat that injury-riddled joke from Beantown -- is gonna come into our house and take us down? I don't think so.

Mo and Delonte have nowhere to go but up from here, and we know what they're capable of. I don't care who you are, you're not going to shoot the lights out all series long, especially playing against our smothering D. That's the downfall of teams that rely on three-point shooters. And for those still questioning LeBron's "clutch..." Remember the last time people complained about LeBron dishing rather than going to the hoop in the final seconds? I think that series worked out OK for us.

Fear not, Cavs faithful, for Friday will bring vengeance. We will hunt down these Evil Wizards with no mercy, and strike them down with the swords of all that is right and true.

The Horsemen of the Basketball Apocalypse will ride on.

And now, a little something to prepare you...

All Nightmare Long - Metallica (with lyrics) (via TwoWithNoMind)

0 recs | Comment 53 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I’m still optimistic about this team. I think all of the negativity is only because this is Cleveland and we all know what happens to Cleveland sports teams. Relax, 3 sweeps was not likely. One loss doesn’t destroy the season.

by Cols714 on May 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Your Confused????

What your not seeing or refusing to understand is that the “Disney Darlings” are a very good basketball team that can beat any team in the NBA regardless of who the other teams superstar is or what they can do. Your not giving the MAgic enough respect, in your mind that’s why you and everybody else can’t understand #1 why the MAgic are in the ECF and #2 How the Cavs got beat in game one in the ECF. Look the Cavs are a fine team but so are the MAgic and for people to dismiss the MAgic as the inferior team is ludacris. I’m a big fan of the MAgic and i know they can beat the Cavs because they have multiple guys that can beat the Cavs as opposed to the Cavs really only having ONE guy who can beat us on a consistent basis, it’s that simple. Listen this is going to be a dogfight of the Series and it would behoove all of you to accept the Fact that this MAgic team is just a good (if not better) than your beloved cavs. Let the best team win… Good Day….

by orltragic07 on May 21, 2009 10:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dude, learn some sarcasm… and grammar, while you’re at it. My eyes hurt.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

defensive much?

As much as I despise the Magic, mostly due to their offensive system (no team has ever won a championship living by the 3 point shot), the Magic won the game last night as much as the Cavs lost it.

While the Cavs did resort to a “Let Lebron dribble for 20 seconds” offense, the Magic facilitated that by playing off him, urging him to drive. After the first half, the Magic stopped helping on him from the wings, and when they did, their rotations were better to the corner shooters. The Magic played GREAT team defense in the second half. If Lebron shot more like a normal human being, this loss would have been much worse.

However, on the other end, I think the Cavs fell apart on defense, in two areas. Rotations, and interior post defense. This is why I felt the Lakers or Rockets (before the Yao injury) were the best two teams equipped to defeat the Cavs. They have GREAT post offense, and it feeds their three point shooters on the arc, who take advantage of poor rotations. On the flip side, they both have great wing defenders and decent length all around to disrupt drives to the hoop.

One last note: Cavs fans should be thanking their lucky stars that Hedo isn’t in the gym learning a couple of post moves to abuse Delonte West. How the Magic didn’t take advantage of the biggest defensive liability of Cleveland’s is beyond me.

by tandur on May 21, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not defensive, no. I agree with most of what you just said. Thing is, my original post is not about serious analysis. It’s about forgetting about a bad loss, moving on, and getting pumped about game 2. I thought that was obvious.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the post sounded very dismissive and confident. Which is what fans are supposed to do. Believe in the team no matter how devastating the loss.

However, I know that after that loss, the Cavs are not dismissing the the Magic nor are they as confident as when they started the ECF.

Mo and Delonte will have better games this series but what scares me is what if Courtney Lee and Hedo and Rafer have better games too. That’s something to ponder.

by pinoyballer on May 21, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it's any consolation Turk...i got the sacrasm and obvious attempted rallying cry...

…but then again my team won tonight…..could say i could see it as clearly if i had been a Cavs fan this morning..lol. Sometimes it takes a while for the the clouds to pass and the skies to clear…well in Orlando anyways!!:)

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

west on turk is a mismatch…which is different from west being a defensive liability, which he is clearly and very certainly not. he is a defensive stalwart.

by DontCallMeJoey on May 22, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

west on turk is a mismatch…

I dunno, Delonte has always guarded me pretty well…

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 22, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is surprising to me tho...

…that there have been only 3 posts here from Cavs fans other than you Turk in 5 hours!! Is there a big funeral in Cleveland today?? LOL

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I guess my attempts at motivation haven’t worked so far

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some people work

I mean come on game ends at 11:30pm last night and you are trying to call out fans for not posting by 1pm. I don’t know about you but I have a job that for the most of the day keeps me busy.

That said magic played well, and it does suck being on the losing end when you are acclimated to winning, but I think this loss lights a fire that Orlando can’t put out. We won’t see west, williams, or big z throw up that many bricks again, at the very least not all of them on the same night.

by throwback on May 21, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude...chillax....and i posted first at almost 2pm...

…was just saying i thought it odd….wasn’t “CALLING” out anyone…lol….are Cleveland fans always this defensive?? My sincere apologies…:)

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

….are Cleveland fans always this defensive??

It’s one of our defining characteristics, actually.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol...i guess given the history....it's understandable...

…but hey Boston fans could give you hope…just please don’t start acting like they once Cleveland wins a few titles..lol!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That will NEVER, EVER happen.

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just to be clear:

Never

EVER

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm assuming your talking about acting like boston fans....

…not the titles..?? :)

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, the former

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is exactly why Cleveland lost:

“You’re gonna tell me that this ragged bunch of Disney Darlings — a team that struggled to beat a weak Philly team and barely beat that injury-riddled joke from Beantown — is gonna come into our house and take us down? I don’t think so.”

Show some respect for your opponents.

by Calbear007 on May 21, 2009 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Do I have to put a disclaimer on everything I write? Sheesh. People, I respect the Magic. They’re a great team, and clearly the biggest challenge the Cavs have faced so far. By no means do I mean disrespect. I have no beef with the Magic other than the fact that they are are current opponent. This is here as a purely motivational tool for the Cleveland faithful.

Come on.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol...i think everyone in Cleveland is in a bad mood today Turk...

……probably a little early to be trying to lightning the mood with a little humor i guess…

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh believe me, I was as pissed as anyone. I’m not kidding about throwing stuff around and waking up my roommate. But writing this was incredibly cathartic, and I’m really looking forward to Game 2 now. I think our boys are gonna come out on fire.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to tell you a funny story.....

…when the Magic blew Game 5 against Boston….i screamed home in my car for fear that i would come across some obnoxious Celtics fans talking smack for fear that i would beat them to a pulp. I did a u-turn at a light and some trucker from across 2 lane screams at me like he’s some kind of “U-Turn” Police and i swear to god i was so close to stopping and pulling him out of his truck to “ask him what his problem was” lol. I made it home safely and spent the rest of the night intermittently screaming at full volume to no one in particular….so i feel ya there Turk..lol

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We’re not the players, we’re only fans!! IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT WE THINK BECAUSE WE’RE NOT PLAYING. Don’t you get that?

Listen, our team just lost a playoff game, so of course we’re going to be upset. Why are you coming here and getting all worked up about it? Don’t you have your own blog to talk about the Magic with other Magic fans instead of coming to a Cavs site and worrying what we say about your team?

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know, right?

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think he's actually a Magic fan to be fair....

…i mean his name says “CalBear007”…which would indicate a Laker fan if anything..??

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You would make a good detective!

Yes, I’m a Lakers fan. I have interest in the Eastern series as well. I think either team (Orlando or Cleveland) would present a different kind of challenge. Dwight Howard would take out the Lakers’ big men….while King James would be virtually unstoppable.

The reason I commented on the “respect your opponent” fact was because look what happened to the Lakers/Rockets series. That series should serve an example of what overconfidence can do.

Anyway, I think both series (West and East Finals) will be highly contested, as all 4 teams are talented from one angle or another. Maybe the best team win.

With that said, I hope the Lakers will represent the West!

by Calbear007 on May 21, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Respect

I’m not a Cavs fan (or even a Magic fan), but I can get along with them. I agree with these other folks calling you out. Some respect would be appreciated if you don’t want to become a hated fanbase.

by CharginChuck on May 21, 2009 1:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Uh they Just did.

You’re gonna tell me that this ragged bunch of Disney Darlings — a team that struggled to beat a weak Philly team and barely beat that injury-riddled joke from Beantown — is gonna come into our house and take us down? I don’t think so.

1-5 vs Magic and Lakers this year.

Way to step it up against the Leagues Elite.

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on May 21, 2009 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

God people...it was eFFFing SARCASM.....

…even i as a Magic fan can see that and WASN’T eFFing offended…Christ let a guy VENT will ya!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I appreciate your support, man.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

anytime...

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

anyone care to explain 1-3 against Magic and 0-2 against Lakers?

DO the cavs suffer against teams who do not lie down for James?

Oh wait we laid down for him last night and proceeded to take our 3rd game in 4 tries this year.

What up with Cavs?

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on May 21, 2009 2:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What up with people saying ignorant things and talking smack for no reason?

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

its not ignorant its fact

And the fact you choose to take fact adverse to your team and call it ignorance proves you are nothing more than a simpleton with an AOL account.

If a real Cavs fans who did not become a fan in 2003 care to tell me why they Cavs are 1-5 combined against Magic and Lakers?

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on May 21, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

conversely why are the Magic 5-1 combined against Cavs and Lakers

Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee

by I blocked Patrick Chewing on May 21, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do MAGIC FANS a favor and please!!!

….take your antagonistic posts back to Third Quarter Collapse!!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It isn’t the 1-5 I’m taking issue with, it’s your assertion that other teams “lie down” for James. You think we haven’t worried about that 1-5 figure? Of course we have. But to suggest that LBJ is only good because people “lay down” for him is absurd. I don’t see Cavs fans even here dissing Howard. I think most of us like him, or at least have a healthy respect for him.

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 21, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you imagine if Howard and Lebron were on the same team????

…i used to dream about this …but then i realized the reality on them never playing together…lol.:(

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They were . . . and they won a gold medal!

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea i know...i was thinking that as i was writing..

….but somehow it’s not the same when you have to share with the whole country…lol.

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

..its because they are young and ignorant in the humbling effect of....

Kharma!!! I’m not even sure he’s a Magic Fan to be honest….

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please stop being such an a-hole. Your team won — why do you find it necessary to come here and gloat? That’s just being a jerk. Just go celebrate with Magic fans and quit trying to pick fghts here. You were doing it last night and now you’re doing it again.

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree COMPLETELY with this!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look, it wasn't fun when the Celtic fans went to places like the Orlando Sentinel blogs or TQC to taunt us when we were down.

I’m not saying we can’t gloat a bit on yesterday’s victory (something I’m guilty of doing in neutral places like Yahoo), but not in a Cavaliers fan page. That’s all. There are quite a few Magic oriented site where it’s safe to do that.

Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.

by North of the South on May 21, 2009 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The guys here are pretty cool and very knowledgable....

…very much UNLIKE most Celtics fansso y’all be cool with the gloating B.S. :) Save it for your backyard!!

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, please don’t compare us to the lowlifes known as Boston fans.

by Buckeye Brad on May 21, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Like Patrick Chewing.....it's on his SB profile...

…he likes Turtles….and the Magic…in that order….what does that tell you…lol..:)

"if you're going to cry...go cry to your mama"

by MagikFanatic on May 21, 2009 3:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great game guys

Please ignore the idiot Magic fans, I dont know what their problem is, too many roller coaster rides or something. Anyway, as thrilled as I was for the Magic win yesterday, if I were a Cavs fan I’d be feeling pretty crappy, especially after Lebron tore up our team and still lost. I’m definitely not ready to crown us champions, but I also dont expect the Magic to all of a sudden forget how to play. Like I usually say, if we get hot from 3 were nearly impossible to beat, and the second half of last nights game proved how quickly we can turn around a deficit. (And get off my damn keyboard, cat!) Anyway, just happy for an exciting game one, and hopefully the game Friday will be a close game throughout and not a tale of two halves.

Shaq sucks.

by Paul Finger on May 21, 2009 9:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Turk, I got what you were going for here. And in response to some of the subject-lining Magic fans above, just because we (Cavs fans) are not all posting replies, it doesn’t mean we’re not supporting the cause. Sometimes when a post is well written, it speaks for itself.

Game 2 is ours.

by cleveland teamer on May 22, 2009 9:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks man

I'm *always* in the driver's seat, cugino -- Chuck

by Turkmenbashi on May 22, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

look, we have some answers in the stable. LeBron obviously dominated, but the other guys aren’t going to remain as cold as they were on wed. as well, i find it to be hugely unlikely that the magic shoot 55% again, and i find it similarly unlikely that d. howard has as much success as he did in the post. and we’ll see more minutes for sasha to put a big body in front of turk. all is not lost.

by DontCallMeJoey on May 22, 2009 12:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs