As I said last week, Friday night's game vs. the Celtics was about as big a midseason game as you can have in the NBA. We all were anxious to see how the Cavs would measure up against the defending champs and they did not disappoint. Their relatively easy 98-83 victory (highlights) was especially satisfying when you take into consideration that the Cavs only scored 65 in the final three quarters and were outrebounded by 12 for the game. The Cavs didn't play nearly a perfect game and still won going away, thanks to LeBron's greatness and some lockdown defense by everyone in the blue uniforms.
The King and the Cavs are the new beasts of the EastIn particular, I thought that LeBron, Delonte, Big Ben, and Andy were excellent on defense. And Mo had his hands full with Rajon Rondo but still forced him into somewhat of a non-factor on offense - aside from his 13 assists Rondo only had 5 points on 1-of-8 shooting. LeBron made a serious MVP statement by limiting Paul Pierce to just 11 points, while doing everything in his power offensively on the way to a game-high 38.
I also really enjoyed when Boston had to resort to the Hack-a-Ben strategy in the fourth quarter. Wallace responded by hitting 4-of-8 from the line in that quarter to not allow that dumb strategy to have any effect on the game. And on one of those fouls off the ball LeBron smartly lobbed a halfcourt shot in off the glass that somehow didn't count. I would have counted that basket just on the sheer brilliance of attempting that shot... the Cavs return to the court tomorrow night in Memphis to take on the Grizzlies at 8PM.
Oh, and if LeBron hasn't created enough buzz already with his greatness, take a look at this picture for an upcoming commercial said to be aired this Sunday. Should we be proud as Clevelanders that he's sporting that uniform, or deathly afraid that he'll contract a staph infection?
