You saw the shots on TV. Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert stoically looking on during the 4th Quarter of quickly became a horrible nightmare for Cavaliers fans. After the final seconds of the Cavaliers 2nd consecutive blow-out home loss ticked away, you got the feeling that Gilbert was already formulating a plan on what to do this off-season should the series continue to spiral out of control and the Cavaliers bow out of the Playoffs.
After the game, Gilbert spoke to the Plain Dealer, and let it be known that he expects more from his $100 million basketball team.
"Our entire franchise has done everything in its power to put all of our players and its coaching staff in the best possible position to execute when it counts," Gilbert said. "And to deliver to the highly supportive fans of Cleveland a proud, intense, impassioned all-out drive to achieve a championship.
"The last two home playoff losses and the manner in which we lost these games does not come close to being anywhere near the high expectations all of us have of our organization. Our fans and supporters deserve more."
"Above all, the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as the entire franchise, deserve and need our players and coaches to dig deep within themselves," Gilbert said.
Gilbert has always been successful and has done everything in his power to give his employees what was necessary to succeed. For the Cavaliers that has been a lavish home locker room at The Q, and a brand new practice facility with all the trimmings in a Cleveland suburb. All in an effort to deliver a Championship.
Little effort from the Cavaliers, however, is not part of the recipe.
Gilbert is still optimistic, however, something that has been a calling card of his throughout his life - and through his optimism GIlbert issues a challenge to his team.
"We have to ask ourselves two questions," he said. "Will we remember who we are and choose to impose our will on our opponent for the remainder of this series and beyond? And how much do we want it? I believe in our players, our coaching staff and our entire franchise. This series is not over."
If the answers to those questions are not to Gilbert's liking, something tells me heads will roll down at The Q.