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Commentary, news, analysis and reader-driven discussions focusing on this year's NBA playoffs.
But how else does one accurately describe what LeBron James accomplished in defeating the Pistons 109-107 in double overtime in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals? Jaw-dropping? Twenty-five consecutive points, including every Cleveland point in both OTs attest to that. Heart-pounding? Could any fan not feel that as James seemingly hit every shot imaginable, from fearless drives to the rim to fadeaway three-pointers in front of the Detroit bench? Legendary? Scoring 48 points, grabbing nine rebounds, handing out seven assists and making two steals against one of the NBA's best defenses on its home floor may be the most memorable playoff performance since Michael Jordan dropped 63 on the Celtics in 1986. No matter the words, James' Game 5 may be the sort of stuff that saves leagues. You can almost hear the advertisements now: "Can the best player in the world beat the best team in the world? The Finals ... Thursday at 9." To complete that journey to meet the Spurs in San Antonio, though, LeBron will need a little more imagination from his coaching staff. After the game coach Mike Brown said he "could not believe [LeBron] scored 29 of the last 30 points," which might have a little more credence if he had called a play for someone other than James down the stretch. On the rare occasions someone such as Sasha Pavlovic did touch the ball, they reacted as if the ball was covered in grease. Don't get us wrong: The Cavs won't win this series with Pavlovic shooting the ball, but they will need him, Daniel Gibson and Zydrunas Ilgauskas to at least handle the ball a little down the stretch if they hope to close out the Pistons, even in Cleveland. And as they proved in a most uncharacteristically competent third quarter, LeBron's teammates are capable of carrying some of the weight. Outscoring the Pistons for the first time all series in the period, the Cavs notched 19 points by sticking to basics –- pounding the ball inside. Of the seven shots Cleveland converted in the third, five came in the paint. Not only was that enough to distance the Cavs from the 14.5-point third-quarter average they had forged in the first four games of the series, it was enough to carry LeBron through a 2-of-6 shooting period to his late-game turn as the hero. Important as his teammates are, Game 5 was LeBron's turn to validate all of the expectations and all of the privileges heaped upon him at the young age of 22. From the cover of Sports Illustrated and nationally televised games as a high schooler, to the controversial Hummer he got before the 2003 draft, to the royal nickname, to the carte blanche he has within the Cavaliers' franchise, to the ho-hum first half of the current season, LeBron has generated almost as many critics as fans. But how many 22-year-olds have ever taken their team this far with this much responsibility? Kobe? Nope. Garnett? Nope. Jordan? Heck, he was busy losing in the first round to the Bucks when he was 22. LeBron has a chance to surpass them all. Yes, the Spurs may well give the King his royal comeuppance, should Cleveland reach the Finals; but for Cleveland even to be in this position in LeBron's fourth year was beyond the dreams of most in a city accustomed to disappointment. Should LeBron get just a suggestion of help Saturday night in Cleveland, the city –- and the league –- will drift off into la-la land with smiles on their faces.
posted by SI.com | View comments |
Comments:The most interesting thing mentioned here was LeBron's ability to save a league. He really needs to salvage this post season, which, save a few Warriors and Suns games has been really awful, he's the only hope to overthrow the ultra boring boys from Texas. I'll jump on that bandwagon.
The cavs haven't won yet
So where are all the Lebron critics now...and more importantly, where is Detroit's defensive plan to stop Lebron?
That's three straight against Detroit, and the first two wins were not solo LBJ efforts.
His teammates and coaches are not incapable of helping - as the article implies. This was a case of going with what works until the other team can stop it. Cleveland did, and Detroit couldn't. Heres another cliche, 'wow'. That was simply a remarkable performance. However, it still needs to be said that they need to get more consistent scoring from the supporting cast for this to become anything other than a one man travelling circus.
Lebron was amazing. He is the closing the NBA had since MJ. Lebron may go down as the best player to ever play. If I had to choose between Kobe or Lebron, I would not hesitate to say Lebron. Go Cavs. It would be out of this world if we look further down and if Lebron wills his team past the Spurs. WOW.
It is easy for Lebron James to be fearless when driving to the hoop because he has the NBA Referees on his side. How can the rough and tough defense of the Pistons stop countless drives if there will always be a foul called. This game ruined the NBA for me, i will never respect a game where you have to lay down a red carpet for every drive to the hoop. There's no point in watching a game where we have to cradle baby james in our arms so we can have yet another Michael Jordan to adore and establish more revenue for the league.
You have to give credit to Lebron, who after tantalizing with flashes of brilliance finally delivered greatness under the blinding glare of playoff expectations. It might have been nicer if he had gone to the basket more -- realistically, he's not going to hit his jumpers like that on a consistent basis -- but tonight he earned quite a bit of the adulation he has already been accorded.
It's also true that the rest of the Cavs couldn't buy a bucket down the stretch. That said, as dominant as James was, the same performance that saw him acclaimed a hero would have gotten Kobe branded a selfish prima donna. Obviously winning covers a multitude of sins, but I do wonder about the (in)consistency of the expectations we have for our stars. Yeah that fool was ballin' - I haven't seen somthing like that in the playoffs for a long time and even then - the way he dominated the end was ridiculous.
If the Cavs can put any semblence of a team around him look out - Now this is what the playoffs are all about, Lebron at his best, the beginning of the legend starts now, you are all witness, even all of you sports writers who are all critisizing, all hail the King LBJ-23.
This series is very exciting. Every game in the series has been VERY close, and although many detroit and cleveland fans might argue about how the refs have made critical mistakes and "decided" the games, I don't think that is true. In this game, the numerous fouls helped both sides. It helped the cavs stay close in the first half, but it also helped the pistons in the fourth quarter. The first few games were called very loose, but the games were still close. Game five was called very tight, and we get a double OT instant classic. Not only did we get to see an amazing performance by Lebron, but the game itself was heart-pounding. There was something around 20 ties and lead changes EACH!!! And it wasn't just trading baskets all the time... both sides had large (at least by this series' standards) leads. Lots of runs, lots of defense, lots of clutch shots. This is definitely THE defining game of this year's playoffs... so far.
LeBron is awesome. Can't wait till the next game!
Unbelievable! I saw it-witness. And I still can't believe it.
It'll be one of the greatest single-game playoff performances in the history of the NBA-Lebron's performance. You can watch another 20 years of basketball and may never see a player make such an array of difficult shots, given the circumstances of the series, have the court awareness, "taking over" as needed in a game that "swung" the momentum to Cleveland as a legitimate Finals contender every year hence forward. Congratulations Lebron "King" James. You've earned all those endorsement deals now and the name "King." No more "monkey" on the back. I saw Magic play for seasons, Kareem, Hakeem Michael Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, Bird. This is totally clutch domination-Lebron=team player with the "winning" instinct. You're on your way to join those mentioned names and never looking back! A Defining Moment of Lebron James -ADJ definitely the most impressive performance I've ever seen, I mean at 22 and to show the resiliance to will his team to victory was amazing, and he was exhausted. He definitely shut the critics up about his inability to shut a team out or his non killer instinct he's grown 5 seasons in just this series, it's over cleveland in 6 over san antonio
I have seen a lot of Lebron games since he came into the league. I know live in California an root for them from afar. The people in cleveland know that he is capable of a game like tonight on any given night. When you see him in person many times, you realize that he has potential to be the greatest of all time. There were many nights that were not on TV nor discussed outside of cleveland when he was magnificent. What people saw tonight was a magnificent player surrounded by 9 other excellent and decent players. I knew when Veriejo got hacked and Lebron was mad that the game was going to be fabulous. When he gets ticked off, he steps up lays it down. All hail the King. Cavs 3, pistons 2, who was figuring that........
Is James' surrounding cast better or worse than Kobe's?
god met with lebron tonight and handed him the keys to the kingdom....
Save the league? This could take all the credibility out of it, no one scores 25 straight against anything resembling a defense.
Let him try it against any European coached team, even in that tighter refereeing system he would have problems launching two consecutive decent shots. Wake up people.
James had one good game, and 1/2 a good game tonigh ( he was terrible in first half ). Airball, missed 3 freethrows in a row. This was a giveaway by Detroit, makes no difference what James did on the offensive end, it was Detroit's defense that lost the game. 109 - 107 in 2 overtimes? Any decent team should score 140 in 58 minutes. For the record. Ginobili scored 24 in a row earlier this season, KJ scored 42, 43, 44, three games in a row in playoffs against Houston, MJ averaged over 40 for the entire series against Phoenix, not some crap team like these Pistons and no hand checking rules. James still sucks, and you ( sportswritesrs ) are just desperate to write about anything. Legend like MJ???. What are you talking about, guy has been pathetic these playoffs with the exception of about 60 miutes, and still hasn't won anything. One of the greatest acts of sheer will power I've seen in my years watching the NBA. I won't dare say the "M" word for a comparison, but I haven't seen someone with the ability to personally lift an entire team since the other number 23. As for the comment about fouls and that stifling Pistons defense, sometimes a player is simply too good to be covered. The referees weren't hitting fade away jump shots over three defenders when the season depended on it, Lebron was.
"There's no point in watching a game where we have to cradle baby james in our arms so we can have yet another Michael Jordan to adore and establish more revenue for the league."
Look at the comedy in this statement....like he said, LBJ is saving this LEAGUE...establishing more revenue for the league is GREAT! It allows for the salary cap to get raised every so often so the PISTONS can maybe someday SIGN someone of LeBron's caliber. LeBron is saving the Pistons one way or another; it's a win-win. I bet you if Detroit comes back and wins and goes to the Finals, the ratings will be worse IN COMPARISON to the very likely possibility of the Cavs matching up against the Spurs...pure theater It's amazing to listen to these cry-baby Detroit fans. I've never seen a team or it's fans whine so much. Face it, what Lebron did tonight is historic, driven by skill, talent, and a sure will to win. He shredded Detroit's defense and any hope for winning this series. Detroit, stop whining abourt referees and lack of calls--it goes both ways--game one and two was a Detroit stolen hack-fest-the series should have been over. Tonight was the "Legend of Lebron". Deal with it and move on.
I think it's ridiculous that Detroit fans keep complaining about the refs. No doubt it was a tightly called game, but free throw attempts were 43-39 in favor of the Pistons and three Cavaliers fouled it. Don't discredit a great performance with your whining. Saturday is going to be a tough game. The veteran Pistons aren't just going to roll over.
Lebron will keep things interesting in Cleveland but they aren't taking the trophy home with Mike Brown as head coach. Seriously, does anyone really take Brown seriously? If he's still there in 4 years and they haven't won a championship (and I don't think they will under his tenure), whatever he says to Lebron will go in one ear and out the other.
Hype, hype, hype. Good try at getting us all to believe that James is actually going to be BETTER than Jordan because Jordan at the same age zzzzzz... But it reaks of wishful thinking. And you know what? It wouldn't make any difference anyway.
The NBA's heydey is over and, believe me, a boring, over-marketed hypertalent isn't going to bring it back, even if he did turn out to be better than Jordan. Don't forget, it was Bird and Magic (two guys with loads of personality going head to head) that got people's attention and Jordan who capitalised on it. I'm not so quick to annoint anyone. Lebron played a great game but I vividly remember seeing a 4th year Penny Hardaway playing w/ Danny Shayes,Derek Strong in the starting lineup versus the Miami Heat score 42 and 41 in back to back playoff games. He scored 16 straight in one game and also had 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals, and 4 blocks to go along with those 41 points.
why is everyone so excited about 2007's playoffs? Aside from a few Warriors and Suns' wins, this year's playoffs are a drag compared to last year's. And if the Spurs do win the championship, Stern should hand out the MVP award to Robert Horry's bottom...u guys sure Horry never played hockey? He delivered one heck of a hip check.
A 4th year Penny Hardaway played the #1 Defense (Miami Heat) in the '97 playoffs and scored 42 in game 3 and 41 in game 4. Still the only played to have back to back 40 point playoff games vs a Pat Riley coached team. He scored 16 straight in Game 3. His stats were remarkable:
Game 3: 16/30FG, 9/10FT, 42pts Game 4: 12/23FG, 13/16FT, 41pts, 7rbs, 4asts, 4 stls, 3 blks Funny how no one remembers this yet Lebron's performance was the best of all time? To the critic above who said this game ruined the NBA for him... we didn't watch the same game apparently... calls are made and not made... once LeBron had his head taken off by Wallace and no call was made... and the Pistons had a few phantom calls in the lane award them free throws... either way if you can watch something this historic...something no one has ever done not Jordan, not Magic, not Bird, not Oscar, not anyone who has ever played... and be turned off by the NBA... good riddance
Without wanting to take away from LeBron's performance, I don't agree with much of the talk of this being the greatest playoff performance of all time. Many are saying it is. Others mention Jordan's effort in the 80's. I'm not sure why no one brings up Magic Johnson's 1980 finals winning game. He was a 20 year old rookie playing out of position in an away game, and he scored 42 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists - winning the NBA finals. Neither James nor Jordan's performances stack up to that.
This article and its comments make it feel like Dwyane Wade 2006 never happened. Maybe I missed something, but what LeBron did yesterday and what he might do in the Finals if he gets there is pretty similar to Wade's last year heroics. Or?
Lebron James is one helluva player. The CAVS need him so do the league. While they still have to win one of two games which for all intent and purposes will be over after the QUICKENS. Arena game, the whole team must still provide the necessary support and artillery. That 5th game will come only once in a blue moon. What it did is to formally put the throne on the King Lebron's head.
Basketball is still a team game. Angelo Sonny Lopez, Philippines You have to give it to LeBron, that was one of the best games in the playoff in a while. That was Jordon like stuff. Go Cavs.
Are you kidding me? How can lebron only get charged with 3 fouls with all the mugging and mauling he's involved with. What is the definition of traveling for this guy? Someone in his way? Run them over or hook them with the elbow and travel right past them. There is more reality and less staging in a WWF production than what you are seeing in these playoffs.
Paul - I think you forgot about a 21 year old player that responded to some pressure once upon a time. Earvin Johnson, Jr. played all 5 positions with team captain (Kareem) injured and on the bench to lead his team to the title in 1980. That's one of the reasons I like to watch LeBron. He reminds of Magic.
What is destroying the league is the hype and spin. The league and media are so desperate that every time Lebron passes gas there needs to be speculation if he will save the league. It is like the slam dunk contest on TNT. After every single dunk the commentators say "wow, now the slam dunk contest is back!" Let them play, let us decide if we like it.
He an amazing game against a tough defensive team. They were in the exact same boat as last year. Question is.... Can they close out Detroit this year?
Mike Brown is the worst coach ever. Lebron has the team on the cusp of the finals despite no symmetry or sense of team ball on either side. He's that good. That said, Poppovich will OWN Brown in the finals.
wade had shaq, who does lebron have....Ilguaskas??? Gooden???
Dwade is the closest thing to MJ. I still take DWade, he only averaged 36 in the NBA finals last year
LEBRON ...the most gifted player, at the age of 22, that's a given ....you can bet that even michael jordan would nod ..yes..on that statement
All you Pistons fans, stop crying! I'll be the first to agree that Sideshow Bob is a flopper, but he didn't run his neck into McDyess' forearm on purpose. I think Dyess watches too match WWE.
As for the "bias" shown by the NBA refs, I seem to remember 27 fouls called on Detroit as opposed to 36 on Cleveland. That's 33% more fouls, not to mention 3 DQ's (Ilgauskas, Varejao, Gibson). While I won't crown LeBron King yet, he has once again shown that he is an amazing, spectacular player and that he might just have what it takes to become the one of the greatest ever. Now let's all stop whining and start enjoying this series for what it is: a great, unbelievably close, grind-it-out series between two of the East's best teams. amazing!!
Look.....the Lebron is the closet thing to magic!! we have not seen a player to evelate his team likes this since magic arrived and won a RING. The only twist is he is not easily bullied. we have seen garnett, mcarady, bryant, and jordan take time to develop. Lebron is already pushing the limits! Lebron will be the next Big O! dominant! he will at some junctre average a triple double for a season.
Yes Lebron scored 40 something points in the Eastern Conference. But will that be enough to stop the likes of the Spurs in western conference I think not. The Pistons have been a sub-par team throughout the season battling for supremacy against the likes of Chicago, Washington, and The Cavs. The Western Conference is a different story, and Lebron I am sorry you are not a one man wrecking crew in the West.
Lebron is great no doubt but the CAVS will get blasted by the spurs because Duncan will dominate and his teamates will carry the game for him at various times.
An awesome game by LeBron, but he is not MJ. Im so sick and tired of the MJ comparison when there is none. Just let him be Lebron. He plays a different position and there skills are totally different. MJ is the greatest player ever. This kid hasnt even scratch is legacy and you already want him to be the greatest. The NBA basically jumped on the back of LeBron and now is the time to ride him stronger than ever. LeBron cant save the NBA. Just let the beautiful game of basketball play out itself.
I can't wait to see what haters are gonna say bout this. There is absolutely no flaw in LeBron's game when he decides to attack the rim. Even the damn Pistons have no answer...
LeBron can score 100 pts in each game this playoffs, but can he win the championship? we'll wait and see as the boring but efficient Spurs are waiting in the wings. Defeating them will elevate himself to basketball's demigods.
WIL VAN ZYL
I never used the word King with Lebron James but finally now I concede that was one of the greatest performances ever in the NBA last night. King James can truly be crowned a King now. Dwyane Wade was actually on a team when he won his championship. LeBron just has 11 other guys trying to pass themselves off as teammates. Give Lebron Shaq and its an instant dynasty.
The man did what ever it took to win that game.I am thankful I was able to see it.
To the comment that LeBron gets all the calls, what game were you watching? Did you see Wallance hack LeBron at the end of the 4th quarter, no call. Detroit then reeled off 6-8 points. And to the Wade comment. No one is knocking Wade, he is a great player and played unbelieveable last year, but no one that I have seen has been as dominate as LeBron was last night in that game. He could do no wrong whether driving to the bucket or hitting a 3 falling away. If you had a choice between Wade or LeBron, you have to take LeBron.
I watched that game and knew at the start of the 4th quarter that it was very likely i could be watching this game on ESPN classic in 15 years. Who could have known how right that feeling would en up being?! As soon as the game ended, I thought "Lebron is better than D-Wade, I haven't seen that since Jordan."
So where's Dirk? The Mavs? Suns? Steve Nash???? Kobe??? Where are these sure fire MVP's of the West during the playoffs? All watching Lebron. Get used to it.
The game was great, however we all know how this is going to end. Cavs or Pistons, we will be crowing the San Antonio Spurs when it's all said and done.
He is not the best player in the world. He does not LIKELY surpass Jordan's playoff performances.
You are just writing an article to invite Pro and Anti-Lebron debate. Let's wait for the win. I hope Lebron gets to jam it in Bruce Bowen's face...
Not bad for a guy who wasn't good enough to make the All NBA first team.
Didn't magic johnson win his first champonship as a rookie. Also larry bird went to the championshp. Its funny how lebron was overlooked as the best player in the game to kobe is being reconsdered. I have to admit i think the lakers as a team have just as much talent after there stars. Also i thnk jordan was just to greedy in the beginning of his career and let's not forget he did three peat twice. Let's just look at lebron as lebron and the league now. Leave the comparisons of whose better at the end of his career. Lebron is definitely to me more unstoppable than kobe just because hes so strong and can drive to the basket with ease and not because the referees are cheating. I mean really do you not remember how many calls Jordan got.
So where are the potential MVP's of the west? Dirk? Home...Nash? Hangin in Canada. The Mavs? Suns? Kobe? What do they all have in common? Watching Lebron carry his team to the finals. Get used to it.
What a man child! I cant beileve this guy is only 22. You have scene Jordan pull these kinds of wins out countless times. Im curious to see if this was a shooting fluke for Lebron or can he continue to shoot like this with the game on the line?
In response to a few previous comments..wow! No, D-Wade never did anything like this. He had three times the supporting cast that LeBron did...are you forgeting the likes of Shaq, Payton, Mourning, Williams, Haslem, Wlaker, etc. Cleveland has some good players, but beyond Big Z, they are all under 25!! Every one of em! Pistons...I respect what you have accomplished but Wow...you blew it. Mr, Big Shot? How about Mr. Just Lost A Ton Of Free Agency Money. Gauran-sheed? How about winey, gripey you know what. I'm sorry Deeee-troit Fans, you are all witnesses to what we have noticed for 4 years now. And he was throned in your own Palace. All hail King James.
James had a tremendous game, but it was just one game, how many times have we seen kobe take over, how many times Tim Ducan has score 18, 19 points in the last quarter, not to mention that in the finals that Chicago won over Phoenix, MJ scored all chicago points in the 4th except the final basket made by Paxon, and the stage was THE FINALS....
Dont be comparing LeBron to Michael just yet. 0 down and 6 to go right?
So where is Nash? MVP Dirk? Kobe? The Mavs? Suns? Lakers? All of these powerhouses of the west are doing the same thing...Watching Lebron carry the Cavs to the Finals. GO LBJ.
All these lebron haters/critics talk about him getting calls. Lets talk about Daniel Gibson and Larry Hughes not being able to breathe on Chauncey Billups last night. Or we could talk about Gibson contesting that Hamilton jumper down the stretch when the phantom whistle blew. Or we could talk about on the other end of the floor, Billups spears Varejao and theres no call. The referees havent decided a single game yet in this series, even Game 2. My advice for all these haters, sit back and become a witness in Lebron's congregation. Hallelluah!
It saddens me that even after yesterday, people are still whining about the refs (and trying to find another way to give the pistons an excuse), this series has been officiated the same for both teams, each side can argue a number of differnt things... but the one thing that canbe agreed on is this LEBRON JAMES is the best overall player in the league
What an awesome game all the way around , by both teams . In response to the comment "it's easy for LeBron to be fearless driving to the hoop because he has the NBA ref's on his side". Unless you are 12 year old spoiled brat , you should be embarrassed making that comment .
I think you need to slow down there sparky... Seriously, "The Greatest Playoff Performance Ever"? Not even close, lets face it if the Cavs lose the series, it becomes pretty much nothing... The Greatest Player in the World? Are you serious? He has been avarage through most of the playoffs... Ive seen Manute Bol hit 6 threes in one game, no one handed him a 3pt contest title... Mugsy Boges blocked Patrick Ewing, and he's wasn't given a Defensive player of the year award... Magic carried a laker team at 21 to a title, Reggie Miller burried every playoff team in the league at one time or another, MJ was simply MJ, Kobe droped 50 on Raja Bell last year, Nash just handed out 24 assists, and face it you called the Mav's the best team in the world all year, and they got bounced in the first round... Make up your mind seriously.
Hat's off to LeBron. He is one of the few stars in the NBA who actually earns his salary. He's a great talent that one day may be counted among the best ever and when you stop playing team defense against him, which the Pistons did, he can take over a game. But remember the Spurs? I wonder if Bruce Bowen would let him waltz to the basket like that. Maybe we should wait to crown him "king" until he earns it.
That was a great performance. He made a lot of shots I haven't seen anyone make in a long time. I'm a Detroit fan, to take this for a grain of salt, but it's disappointing to see it sullied by such (get ready) poor officiating. The double standard has ceased just being the stuff of myth and legend. It's real and apparent. You can see it when big guys try to defend Shaq and he barrels through the paint like a bull in Pampalona, and you can see it when Lebron pours it on and snakes past a defender or takes a contested shot. You can just hear the whistle and, if you don't, you really have to wonder if the refs all dropped their whistles at the same time. And perhaps most sadly, you can see it when a bunch of guys get frozen because they now are afraid to step in front of a guy that seems to get nearly all the calls when he has the ball.
Lebron's a great player and the Cavs have a pretty good supporting cast. But these double standards really bum me out. 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, eight blocks, in a Finals closer. Must be too boring for this sportswriter to remember.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/boxscores/2003/06/15/14744_boxscore.html How can you say the Cavs have no chance against the SPURS? What is the Cavs record against the SPURS this season? 2-0? ya, okay, what about the last 2 yrs? 3-1? okay... tell me how you can say there is no chance.. Additionally, the CAVS had 36 fould while detroit had 27 fouls! How is this lopsided in favor of the Cavs? We also had 3 players - Ilgauskas, Gooden and Gibson - foul out! Does anyone remember the last two noncalls in Game 2? You pistons fans need to stop complaining about the whistles... you have no right . The Cavs could have beaten the Pistons all 5 times in the ECF. Just admit that the Pistons have been outplayed.
Just another example of the nba and it's hand's off policy toward superstars. If you really believe the pistons let him drive the lane time after time by choice you're sadly mistaken. They had no choice - it's either that or get called for a foul. The nba has become unwatchable.
To the 'man' that said Lebron couldn't do that against European coached defense...you're out of your mind. The kids 6'8, 240lbs, and is faster, more athletic, and stronger than anyone on the Pistons. Basically anyone in the league that doesn't play the 5. And some zone defense in Europe with some 220 lb soft shooting 7 footer in the middle is going to stop him? Wake up. The Pistons have been one of the best defensive teams in the best basketball league in the world for more than a few years now. Lebron defeated traps, zones, doubles, triples, and quadruple teams. He was just on fire. Give him his due...you're probably just mad that you're short and French.
Lebron getting the foul call everytime he drove to the hoop? Did that poster even watch the game? Probably more fouls that were not called than non fouls that were called. 5:30 left in the game when Lebron is hit, grabbed and tossed and no call. Looked to be the turning point against the Cavs. Lebron took over from there for one of the best performences ever.
Lack of D by the Pistons, I think not. Lebron was just unstoppable. Degree of difficulty on his shots - mostly 10's. I disagree that LBJ has the refs on his side. In fact he gets more non-calls than a lot of people BECAUSE of the hype that surrounds him, not to mention he can whine when he perceives or received a foul and doesn't get the call. Bottom line, LeBron shined last night and no one else on the court could keep up.
Too bad few people were watching or are even interested in the NBA anynmore. I hear absolutely no buzz about the playoffs at the office, on the golf course or in any social gatherings. Interest seems to be very low, except for the cities in the playoffs. Perhaps the Association should chnage its name to the CBA...the City Basketball Association. Tony
If Kobe played in the East the Cavs wouldn't even be around right now.........
An amazing display of professional basketball at its best. Now the other members of the Cavs need to step up, score points, make plays, and contribute. One man does not make a season. As a Cleveland Fan living in Michigan, I'm still a Buckeye! Go Cavs!
Lebron James perfomance last night at the palace was phenominal. He single handedly took over the game. If he gets a little more help tommorow he and the cavs will close out the pistons and move on to the spurs, which the cavs are
2-0 against. Lebron may go down as a legend at the age of twenty-two. As if he already isn't. Lebron is the closest thing we have to MJ in the NBA today, Kobe has gone fishin. What an awesome performance by one of the greats. So fun to watch him play and make the unmakeable shots.
Too bad that the rest of his team won't step up and help him out. They looked pathetic in the great light of Lebron. Hopefully they will step it up in their home court. Go Cavs! Before we all start talking up the Spurs and how the Cavaliers have no chance...
All the "experts" picked New Jersey over Cleveland. All the "experts" picked Detroit over Cleveland. And let's not forget the Cavaliers are 2-0 against the Spurs this year, holding them WAY below their season average in points. In fact, they held them to 78 in one game. All hail the King! To 'Anonymous' who said the game ruined the NBA for him because LeBron was given all kinds of fouls every time he went to the hoop -- you obviously did not watch the game. LeBron chirped at the refs all game because every time we went to the hoop he was HACKED and they almost never called a foul. Go back and rewatch the game and see if your comments hold water.
And I'd love to see Bowen on Lebron. I doubt Brucie boy would be as eager to knee him, trip him, hand check him, and step under him, as he would Mr. Nash or BDavis. I think Bowen is rendered useless if he defends Lebron because Lebron at his best isn't perimeter orientated. He takes it to the rim. And he's way to strong for Bowen to slow down unless he gets dirty...which I wouldn't doubt.
Sad that some will not give credit where it's due. Forget DWade, forget MJ, only focus on who is playing. Reflecting on the past is like bragging on how fine Connie B. was in high school. Focus on the present, and that was as great of a performance as any in the history of sports. Go Lebron, they'll win. Might beat the Spurs too, this is not a normal NBA year.
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