Cavaliers off-court confidence needs to translate on the court
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on May 13, 2010 8:24 AM CDT
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PrintReporter - "Why should the fans feel confident about winning Game 6?"
LeBron James - "They got me!"
That was part of the exchange yesterday after the Cavaliers practice and film session. It put to bed the nightmare of Game 5 and started the preparation of a win-or-go-home scenario tonight in Boston. The Cavaliers have always followed LeBron's lead, and now is no exception. He is confident and always has been. Most nights he is able to back up his confidence with numbers few have seen before. The question now is can he physically back up what he is saying. The answer is anyone's guess.
I've said from the get-go that the elbow injury, if there is one, does not explain much of what has gone on at times during the series against the Celtics. In all honesty, the Cavaliers have been struggling with chemistry since the playoffs began, trying to re-incorporate Shaquille O`Neal into the rotation while bringing Zydrunas Ilgauskas back as well. It has been a struggle as minutes and rotations have taken their toll on the roster.
It is hard to argue with the numbers, however, when speaking of LeBron and any possible injury. When LeBron have extra rest - the Cavaliers had 4 days off after the Bulls series, then again prior to Game 3 against Boston, LeBron has been the best player on the planet - 36.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7 assists.
When the Cavaliers get just one day of rest - the case for Games 2, 4 and 5 - the numbers are much more mortal - 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists. Decent, but not MVP-like.
Humor me for a second. Could LeBron have taken it easy on the court Tuesday Night, knowing tow things - The Cavaliers need him to play huge tonight and the Cavaliers will get an extra day between Game 6 and a possible Game 7 on Sunday? Far-fetched, I know, but when given rest and treatment LeBron is a scoring machine - unstoppable.
Add to that his comments and attitude. Does LeBron know something we do not? He has already said he'll do whatever it takes tonight, including playing all 48-minutes if necessary. Does he know that by protecting his arm for much of a Game 5 blowout that he'll feel strong tonight?
Don't get confused. I am not saying LeBron tanked it on Tuesday. Far from it. We have seen it in the past - LeBron is non-aggressive for the first 3 quarters then turns it on in the 4th. The rest of the Cavaliers were awful - minus Shaq - and the Celtics had everyone going. That is hard to beat even if LeBron is having a good night. What I am saying is, I wonder if LeBron saw what was happening too - Ray Allen, KG, Paul Pierce, Rondo - all going off having big nights. Why get beaten and battered at that point?
Perhaps my out-of--the-box thinking is a bit too far-fetched. It sure as hell beats regurgitating the same things we have seen from most in the media. Whatever is happening, whatever the reality, the Cavaliers know they have to win a game. Tonight's game. We'll worry about tomorrow later.
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I guess we’ll find out today. Was game 5 an accurate representation of where Lebron and team are right now, or was it a team and a mvp deliberately taking it easy. Because i’m still shocked by how this series has gone so far, and a little queasy from the roller coaster ride i can imagine us winning by 25 and losing by 25. Just a few hours until we know.
LeBron is saying some really bizarre things in these interviews the last 24 hours. I still have hope, but no confidence in this team right now.
No room for naysayers around here. Believe or leave. B’leave.
"You are an LGT success story" -- Jay
by Turkmenbashi on May 13, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
not a naysayer, dont label me. you the new moderator around here? i been supporting cleveland sports teams all my life. this team is getting their rear ends kicked right now and they have no answer for the way the celtics are playing. you think the majority of fans have confidence in this team right now?
you the new moderator around here?
Close… I’m an old one.
you think the majority of fans have confidence in this team right now?
No, I don’t, and I think that’s a damn shame. This is the time to either stand up and be counted as a true Cleveland fan or wither away into your hole of woe-is-me, Cleveland sports curse nonsense. Real fans don’t shrink from their fandom when things get rough.
"You are an LGT success story" -- Jay
by Turkmenbashi on May 13, 2010 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
This is true. Fair weather fans suck. Cars will overcome. I believe!! I wear my browns colors all year every year. Cavs and Lbj will show up. Beat Boston in their house then win it in ours. Bring on Orlando!!
by The naome40 on May 13, 2010 10:59 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Less than a week ago...
In Game 3 the Cavaliers overpowered the Celtics, as badly as the Celtics overpowered the Cavaliers in Game 5. Despite the moods, and the media feeding frenzy, it is not such a stretch to envision a comeback by the #1 Seed!
You’re right, Turkmenbashi. We need to borrow a line from Natalie Wood in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET:
“I believe. I believe. It’s silly but I BELIEVE!”
by BrownsCavaliersIndiansForev on May 13, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
You’re going a little too far here, Turk. Being a true fan means keeping hope and watching every game to the last — that’s what “stand up and be counted” meant, if you’ll recall — not deluding yourself. The Cavs have played well for one-and-a-half games in this series, and they’ve given us no real reason to be confident. We still have hope, though. You can be a true fan and still be rational.
And I don’t see anything rockybrown said that’s the least bit out of line.
Turk....You are 100% correct...
…with this sentiment..a TRUE fan doesn’t get up and leave early in a blowout game-for either side..just to beat the traffic…You either believe that your team will prevail against all odds or you don’t..It IS that simple…
You’re either a fan til the end, or you’re riding the bandwagon
There is no shame in being wrong in your beliefs, but there is in giving up on them until they are PROVEN wrong
by cavslandrocks on May 13, 2010 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions
to take this a step further
I remember a game at the old Richfield Coliseum where the Cavs were down 7 with thirty seven seconds remaining..I believe they call that “The Miracle at Richfield”.
I will NEVER forget the electricity in that crowd…You couldn’t have left even if you wanted to-without risk to life and limb…Yes, I WAS there…WAY up in the SW corner of the “nosebleed seats”…I was also there for many other Cavs games including the very first one where they passed out “Cavalier Club” cards with the roster and Fitch’s “autograph” on them…THOSE were the days when fans were FANS…NOT bandwagon jumpers, and armchair coaches
Today’s Cav’s fans could learn a lot by finding and watching those games again…You NEVER give up on this team
by cavslandrocks on May 13, 2010 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah the good old days, huh cavsland? I still remember the startled sound to Joe Tait’s voice when Bingo nailed that shot to beat the Bullets in game two in Landover, Md….and then of course there was the game five buzzer beater after Elvin Hayes missed two free throws that would have won the game, and Snyder’s winning basket in game seven. Magic moments, thanks for the reminder.
by AncientMariner on May 13, 2010 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I also noticed the better numbers when LeBron had more rest. If we should get to play Orlando, I am guessing that the series would start on Tuesday night, so that there would be a game every night of the conference finals, and the Lakers and Phoenix start Monday. If it is a case of LeBron playing better when he has a few days off, the rest of the team needs to recognize this and step it up if we make it to the Magic, since there won’t be the luxury of rest anymore unless the Cavs take Orlando out early…not something likely to happen.
by AncientMariner on May 13, 2010 10:18 AM CDT reply actions
Lets talk about matchups
1. Shouldnt Hickson be guarding KG instead of Jamison???
2. LB on Pierce
3. Shaq/Z on Perkins
4. Anthony Parker on Ray
5. Jamario Moon on Rondo
Do we really need Mo in the game?? He can come off the bench!!
I would like to see Andy on K G. Then, because I can’t take Mo chasing Allen around anymore, Delonte on Allen. I agree with Moon on Rondo. When they run the double to single picks for Allen, the big needs to step out on Allen. I would live with leaving Perkins open around 15 feet. If he beats us then so be it.
by The naome40 on May 13, 2010 3:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
LeBron Psyching us out?
I think, the truth of the matter is: 1. Boston is not intimidated by the Cavs. 2. They have LBJ all figured out and walled in. 3. He has to be more impactful and less turnover pron.
4. He needs to let someone else Coach while he plays.
Regarding Lebron's Elbow
Doc Rivers is sick of being asked about “Lebron’s Elbow,” but there is no denying that, large or small, there has been an impact on Lebron’s play, due to the elbow. And the elbow would figure into your theory, John. As a former racetrack worker who has seen thousands of injections of cortisone, and other legal substances, into hips and ankles and knees and elbows, I can tell you that the time required between injections is definitely a factor. You cannot inject medication into joints on a daily basis. Ideally you allow 10 days between injections. But in a crisis/emergency, you may do so within a week.
If your theory is correct, John, then we should see a Lebron/Cavaliers performance in Game 6 that is comparable to what we saw in Game 3.
GO CAVALIERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by BrownsCavaliersIndiansForev on May 13, 2010 12:25 PM CDT reply actions
I thought the elbow was keeping him from taking j’s??
If so, why was he taking so many shots last game???
It’s boston’s d, not the elbow(which I hear is going to get its own contract at the end of the year).
Boston is just playing at the level they are capable of and people shouldn’t be surprised at how this is going.
I mean no disrespect, but Boston has more to do with this than anything else.
Either Or
Welcome to Fear The Sword, AngryGuy! It’s always nice to welcome a Celtics fan to Cavalier Country!
All I can say is “Either/Or.” If the Celtics win tonight, then honor is due to them.
If the Cavaliers win tonight, then the discussion of Lebron’s Elbow will persist.
by BrownsCavaliersIndiansForev on May 13, 2010 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
The discussion of LeBron's elbow will live beyond the series
The Elbow is almost as big a rockstar as LeBron. Until he does or does not has surgery ESPN and every one else will analyze, discuss, theorize adn hypothesize the problem ad infinitum.
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."; Carlos Boozer
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
The only way to stop LeBron is Smith and Wesson, but even that's a double team.
by NC Magic Fan on May 13, 2010 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions
this is a huge game
if this goes back to Cleveland the C’s are in trouble.
Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
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by bestbostonsports on May 13, 2010 12:40 PM CDT reply actions
Hi and welcome!
Hi and welcome, BestBostonSports!
Agree on Point 1.
Agree on Point 2
by BrownsCavaliersIndiansForev on May 13, 2010 12:56 PM CDT reply actions
The idea that Lebron was taking game 5 off, deliberately giving up home court advantage, in order to save his elbow is ridiculous. No offense, John, but you’re not making our fan base look good by giving that idea front page credibility.
Ya, that was pretty far fetched, but bravo on coming up w/ a good conspiracy theory.
2nite’s game is the game of the playoffs so far. Even for a non cavs fan, such as myself. I still think LeBron is gonna murder everyone 2nite, and I hope he does, because I detest all things Boston.
Never trust a fart
by AB's triple double on May 13, 2010 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Impossible. Just like its impossible for KG not to be an enormous douchebag
Never trust a fart
by AB's triple double on May 13, 2010 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Mark Madsen? Where?
"Just to remind you, Orlando made it to the finals last year without this guy. Crazy."~John Krolik
Has anyone else thought of putting West in the starting line-up to check Rondo, and having Mo come off the bench?
He is by far our best perimeter defender other than maybe LeBron. And we know he can play the point as well. And if Mo is only so-so with his shooting, I don’t think it’s any loss on the offensive end.
I’m still willing to bet Mike Brown wouldn’t give it any thought, however.
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