Cavs sweep away Pistons

With the Cavaliers' two wins this weekend - a 79-68 Game 3 win (highlights) on Friday, and then yesterday's rousing 99-78 victory (highlights) in Game 4 - the Pistons were swept under the rug in stunningly easy fashion. In the four game sweep, the Cavs became just the third team in NBA history to win all four games by double figures. And LeBron became just the third player ever to average at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for a playoff series - the other two to accomplish that feat being Larry Bird and Oscar Robertson. Not bad company to keep.

The King owned the Palace in this Round 1 sweep

So with their quick work in Round 1, the rest vs. rust argument now comes into play. With the Hawks/Heat series going to Game 4 tonight, it could be a while before the Cavs take the floor again. Miami/Atlanta is scheduled to go tonight, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. So if it goes the full seven games, Round 2 would probably begin next Tuesday at the Q. I personally think the Heat will end it in 6 games, which would mean Round 2 would start on Sunday. And that's fine by me. The Cavs (namely Z, Big Ben, and Joe Smith) can use the rest they are now enjoying. And would you want to face a really rested LeBron after what he just accomplished in Round 1? The Cavs will be fine with all this rest, and I think it should help in the long run. It will just be tough as a fan to go without them playing for so long. I guess it's time to sit back and study the rest of the playoff teams while we wait for the Cavs' next victim to emerge.

And I can't go without mentioning how satisfying it was to see the Pistons' season end like this. They had an impressive 6-year run atop the Eastern Conference. But you could see the changing of the guard in the East start three years ago when an overmatched Cavs team took the Pistons to 7 games in LBJ's playoff debut. Beating them in 6 games in the ECF the following year was one of my finest Cleveland sports memories. And this year the final nail in the Pistons coffin was really hammered home when they traded Chauncey at the beginning of the year. They still had some decent talent, and I thought maybe some pride would help them snag one game this series. But the Cavs are on a mission that is just starting and it was great to see them never take their foot off the gas. And the pro-Cavs crowd at the Palace on Sunday was something I can't ever remember seeing in an NBA playoff game. I'm just pissed I wasn't there to see it firsthand, but I won't get into that. Go Cavs. Enjoy the rest.

Game 2: The good and bad

The Cavaliers took Game 2 of their opening round series against Detroit with a 94-82 win (highlights) last night at the Q. I'm sure there will be much hand wringing, given the way the 4th quarter went, and I'll get to that in a moment. First I want to focus on the good.

For the first three quarters that Cavs held the Pistons to just 50 points. They utterly dominated Detroit and couldn't even provoke a response from the disinterested Piston starters. It was as if the guys in blue were already envisioning their summer vacation... or maybe they just don't like coach Michael Curry. Whatever it was, this team was beaten. The Cavs did pretty much anything they wanted to offensively and completely shut Detroit down defensively. But then the fourth quarter happened...

Let me preface this by saying I don't think the letdown is a reason to panic. But it was definitely something that no Cavs fan wanted to see. The starters (LeBron/Andy/Z) left with a 27-point lead after the end of three quarters. That lead actually swelled to 29 points on an alley-oop layup to Delonte from Mo on the first play of the 4th. Mo then left the game a minute later, still with a commanding 27-point lead. With four starters out for the Cavs, the Pistons' reserves proceeded to go on a 17-3 run, prompting an eventual return of all the Cavs' starters, in a move that no one (and definitely not the Coach of the Year) wanted to see. The Pistons actually continued to whittle the lead down to just 7 before LeBron and the Cavs regained control down the stretch for the 12-point win.

LBJ & the Cavs will look to end Detroit's season this weekend

So what does it all mean? Hopefully just a bored team having a mental letdown in a game they knew they would win no matter what. We saw something similar from the Lakers last night as well, which makes me feel a little better. I'm sure it's hard to focus when you're absolutely demolishing a team. But there's no reason to give the Pistons any false hopes. Let's hope this things ends quickly. The Cavs have Games 3 and 4 in Detroit on Friday and Sunday, and I hope to make the trip up there on Sunday. But only if I can bring my broom. Go Cavs.

1 down, 15 to go

The Cavaliers took care of playoff win #1 in dominant fashion on Saturday with a 102-84 triumph (highlights) over the Pistons at the Q. The impressive thing to me is that the Pistons played about as well as they could have and still lost by 18 points. The Cavs clamped down on defense, and had a very balanced attack on offense - aside from LeBron's ridiculous 38/8/7 line. Joe Smith was huge with 13 points off the bench. And Mo Williams had an off-day shooting (just 5-for-14) in his return to the playoffs. If I were a fan of the Pistons, I'd be more than concerned. But actually, all of their fans are already looking forward to the offseason anyway, and it will hopefully begin Sunday afternoon for them.

LBJ glides in for 2 of his 38 in Game 1

Rasheed Wallace has vowed that the Pistons will "knuckle down" for Game 2, whatever that means. We'll find out soon enough when things resume tomorrow night at the Q - god I hate these long layoffs between games. But at least the Cavs know how to take care of business at home, unlike the Celtics (lol), Magic (what a meltdown!), and Trailblazers. The next time I post here the Cavs will be up 2-0 and on their way to Detroit for a Pistons funeral. Go Cavs.

One goal

The Cavaliers embark on what we all hope will be a long playoff run beginning tomorrow afternoon at the Q when they take on the Pistons at 3:00. Their new playoff motto is "one goal" and that's fitting when you consider anything less than an NBA title this time around will be considered a failure. So what should we expect from their opening round series against the Pistons? Honestly, I think it will end quickly. I can't see any way this series goes past five games.

That's not meant to be disrespect the Pistons. But they are what they are - a 39-43 team that struggled through this season. They took a gamble with the Billups-for-Iverson trade that many of us saw ending badly. How could it not when they traded away the heart of their team in Chauncey? Piston fans will claim that they are in great shape heading into this offseason with loads of cap room to re-tool and start another run. Whatever. This is the end of an era for this team. They still have guys like Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and the a-hole known as Rasheed. They may still think they can turn it on when they want. But they can't. Not against these Cavs. My prediction is Cavs in 5. I think they may drop one up in Detroit, but if so, they will quickly close it out here in Cleveland.

I can't wait to get to the Q tomorrow. 16 wins to go. Let's go Cavs.

The Q got a playoff makeover on Thursday

Mission Accomplished

With their three rousing victories over the long holiday weekend - a 102-92 win (highlights) over the 76ers in Philly, an immensely enjoyable 107-76 smackdown (highlights) of the Celtics at the Q, and then yesterday's 117-109 triumph (highlights) in Indiana over the Pacers - the Cavs have finally reached their goal of securing home court advantage throughout the playoffs. This is the first time in franchise history they have achieved that feat and hopefully the start of a long playoff run that will end with this city's first championship in 45 years.

The bench erupts after Wally's epic 4th quarter rejection on Sunday

I took some time off of work to enjoy the long holiday weekend and was as equally impressed with the Cavs' dominant play as I was frustrated with the Tribe's pathetic 1-6 start to the season. I guess things have to balance out in the sports world (unless you live in Boston) and I'll take a horrible Tribe season if it means a championship for the Cavs. They certainly looked ready to wear the NBA crown in their utter dismantling of the Celtics on Easter Sunday. I know the Celtics didn't have much to play for in that one, but they could have shown a little heart and pride. The Cavs absolutely thrashed them from start to finish and had some fun doing it. Just an all-around enjoyable weekend of work from this team. They will get some well-deserved rest on Wednesday in a meaningless season finale at the Q against the 76ers. My only hope is that the Sixers also have nothing to play for and the Cavs bench bunch can squeeze out one more home win to equal the all-time NBA record of 40-1 at home. It's been a magical season, but now it's time for the second season to start. Bring on the Pistons. Go Cavs.

Ugly #13

It was ugly, painful, and at times downright annoying. But the Cavaliers slogged their way through a night when they shot just 38% from the floor and still managed to get their 13th consecutive win, a 79-73 triumph (highlights) over the Pistons. In a game that Mike Fratello would be proud of, the Cavs again turned up their defensive pressure when they needed to, allowing only 29 second half points after giving up 44 before halftime.

LBJ could be eyeing Rasheed in the first round this year

The victory gives the Cavs their 61st win of the season, and is even more meaningful when you factor in the Lakers' loss to the Bobcats. The Cavs are now firmly in the driver's seat for home court advantage throughout the playoffs with a 3-game lead over LA with just 8 games to play. Finally the Lakers' lack of road games has caught up to them as they've had to endure a 7-game East coast trip and have dropped two games when they really couldn't afford to do so. I love it. The win also ties all-time record for a division lead, with the Cavs now 25 games ahead of the second-place Pistons. Wow.

Last night's game was a good reminder why it would be entertaining, yet also annoying to be matched up with the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs. I have no doubts the Cavs would win the series, likely in 5 games at the most. They are just a superior group of talent right now and they can win in a number of ways. Detroit has no answer for LeBron and when they double- and triple-team LeBron he always finds the open man. I just worry that if it does come down to these two teams in the first round, should we be concerned with how dirty things would get? Rasheed is still a ticking time bomb and the once-proud Pistons would certainly not enjoy being dominated by the Cavs. This is one team I want to avoid for that reason alone. Gimme the Bulls or the Bobcats - teams just happy to share the brief stage in the playoffs without any chip on their shoulder. Only 8 games left until we know who it will be. Go Cavs.

The records keep falling

I'm running out of superlatives to use for the Cavaliers. It has truly been a magical season so far and I'm hoping the ride doesn't end until somewhere around June 18th (the last possible day for the Finals to end). They finished up another outstanding weekend with two more easy wins at the Q. The first was on Friday night with a 107-85 dispatching (highlights) of the Timberwolves. Then they followed that up yesterday afternoon with a 102-74 thumping (highlights) of the Dallas Mavericks. In the process they notched their 12th straight victory (yet another franchise record) and their 60th win.

The recipe for the final 9 games: wins & rest for everyone

They were outscored 30-20 by the Mavericks in the first quarter and it honestly would have been worse if not for a buzzer-beating three-pointer by of all people, Joe Smith. After sleepwalking through that slow start, the Cavs really poured it on in fashion that was reminiscent of all the early season drubbings they were handing out at the Q. They outscored the Mavericks 82-44 the rest of the way and sprinted to another fun win. It was almost too fun, aside from a couple of scares in which LeBron was left crumpled in a heap on the floor. The first came on a vicious dunk in the 2nd quarter in which he was slightly undercut and took a hard spill. The second came in the third quarter when he plowed into a referee as he was racing back down the court on defense. These are the type of tense moments we really don't need with just nine games left before the playoffs start.

The goal from here on out should be to protect the #1 overall seed for the playoffs, but to do so with caution. We don't need any injuries to derail such a great season so far. The team now has a firmer grasp of home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs, thanks to the Lakers slipping yesterday in Atlanta. So the margin for error is a little greater, and hopefully so too is the opportunity to rest some key players. Most of the starters were able to rest for almost the entire 4th quarter yesterday afternoon. Let's hope that's a trend that is able to continue. The guys hit the hardwood again tomorrow night when the once-mighty Pistons pay a visit to the Q, in what could possibly be a preview of the 1 vs. 8 matchup in the playoffs. Go Cavs.

Changing of the guard

Not only did last night feature the triumphant return of Delonte West to the starting lineup (more on that in a second), but it also featured a changing of the guard in the NBA's Central Division. After the Cavaliers' resounding 99-78 beatdown (highlights) of the Pistons at the Q, there is a new king in the Central Divison - one that is likely to be on top of the mountain for a long time. Of course the Cavaliers have bigger goals than just winning their division, but this is a milestone for the franchise since they have exactly one division title in their 39-year history. The Pistons have ruled the Central for years now and Sunday night was the final proof that their reign is over. With a 16-game lead it should be a matter of days now before the inevitable becomes official.

And even more importantly, last night's win did prominently feature West, who led the Cavs in scoring with 25 points (including a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range). Seeing Delonte back in the starting lineup was definitely a welcome sight. Even though the team did manage to scratch its way to a 12-4 record without him, there's just something comforting about the way the offense looks when Brother Red is involved. And his scrappy defense on the perimeter certainly bothered Rodney Stuckey and Allen Iverson last night. It's a shame that he wasn't there for either of the losses to the Lakers this year, but maybe we'll get to see that in the Finals come June.

Delonte's back and that could mean big trouble for the rest of the NBA

The Cavs are now 43-11 on the season and will soon be entering their toughest stretch of games in quite some time when they start a four-games-in-five-nights set (all on the road) starting this Thursday. I'd hate to be the Grizzlies, sitting as the sacrificial lamb for the Cavaliers tomorrow night before the road swing begins. And I'd be nuts not to mention how much fun Friday night's win over the Bucks in Milwaukee was. If you didn't see the game and LeBron's insane run in the third quarter, I honestly feel bad for you. His 55-point explosion was one of those games where you just watch in disbelief and thank the sports gods that those ping-pong balls went our way in 2003. I honestly cannot remember a regular season game that was so entertaining.

***One final sidenote about last night's game: Can this PLEASE finally be the end of the ridiculous Taco Bell chalupa promotion? This was a mini-controversy earlier this season and it reared its ugly head again last night. The Cavs were comfortably ahead going into the fourth quarter last night, having amassed 88 points before the final period started. They held a 30+ point lead most of the night and were afforded the luxury of sitting their starters for most of the fourth quarter. The bench players didn't exactly have a stellar fourth quarter, only totaling 11 points going into the final minute of the game. Which meant idiotic urging from some fans to hoist up meaningless shots to get to 100 points so those same fans could go (but likely wouldn't) to Taco Bell and claim a free chalupa. Of course the Cavs didn't get to 100 points, so even though they beat a hated division rival by 21, one of their key starters returned and had a huge night, and they went to 32 games over .500 for the first time in franchise history, some stupid fans still booed when the final horn sounded. Is this really what team management had in mind when they introduced this promotion years ago? Please, I'm begging - get rid of it already. Switch it to a free chalupa if the Cavs hold their opponents under 93 points or something. This drives me absolutely nuts. ***

Thankful

Let me start today by saying that I'm incredibly thankful and lucky to be here. I had a pretty serious auto accident on Wednesday on my way home from work in which I managed to launch my car off an overpass on I-480 and land upside down on the ground below next to Brookpark Rd. Here's what my once great Jeep looks like now. I truly think that someone was looking out for me on Wednesday and there's a reason that I made it out alive - to be here to experience Cleveland's first sports championship! (I'm kidding about that of course, but humor is my way of dealing with things right now.)

So I just want to thank all the well-wishers, and all of my personal heroes from Wednesday. The complete strangers that witnessed the accident, the EMS workers and police officers that were first on the scene, and an incredibly warm and caring hospital staff at Fairview Hospital all showed me what an amazing network of support that we take for granted every day. It was a truly humbling experience to be taken care of like that and I hope that I'm able to return the favor in small ways throughout the rest of my life. Things can change in an instant and I hope all of you out there take the time to enjoy life. I know I will. I'm already enjoying the extra time I've been able to spend with my beautiful wife these last couple days...

Even though I'm a little banged up, I'm still here to report on our beloved Cavaliers. I was able to catch the game in Orlando on Thursday night right after I was released from the hospital. Since it was another shorthanded loss on the road to an elite team I won't dwell on that one too much. But in true Cavalier fashion, they were able to follow up that loss with a 112-95 win (highlights) over the Clippers on Friday night. That extends the team's record at the Q to 22-0 and featured the return of Z to the starting line-up. He was able to chip in 20 points and 11 rebounds in his first game back. And I love the way our spacing looks on offense again, thanks to the big fella being back out there.

LBJ led the way with 33 Sunday in Detroit

So yesterday was another nice test for the Cavs as they were back on the road hoping to avenge an earlier loss to the Pistons at the Palace. The Cavs hadn't beaten a quality opponent from the East on the road yet, and a day game on Super Bowl Sunday was sort of a worrisome test for me. But the Cavs passed with flying colors with a 90-80 win (highlights) in which they outscored the Pistons 32-14 in the decisive fourth quarter. They were really able to do it with a 15-2 run to start the quarter in which LeBron was on the bench and Mo and Boobie did all the damage. The most telling stat I saw after yesterday's win - the Cavs are now +95 in point differential with Mo Williams on the court in the 4th quarter this year. And this guy's not an All-Star??? At least Mike Brown made it, although the league was "forced" to take him, as LeBron pointed out. The Cavs resume play again tomorrow night at the Q against the Raptors, where they look for their 23rd consecutive home win.

Let's see what these guys are made of...

And when I say "these guys", I'm referring to both the Celtics and the Cavaliers. I say that because I'm not convinced the Celtics are ready to be an elite team. I think they are vulnerable, but the time to pounce on them is tonight. I don't want to see this go to a Game 7. But I also want to see what the Cavaliers are made of, because you never really know what you will get from them on the road. Tonight will tell a lot about the make up of both of these teams. If the Cavaliers can pull this one out, I don't see any way the Celtics can win on Friday night.

I've been saying it for a couple games now, but LeBron still hasn't exploded in this series. And 'The Dunk' at the end of Game 4 just might be foreshadowing things to come tonight. I know the Celtics will do everything in their power to stop him from beating them, but the Pistons tried that too in Game 5 last year and look what happened (and yes, I do enjoy repeatedly linking to that box score).

I still feel the best recipe for success tonight is what the Cavaliers usually bring in the playoffs. Good defense, hitting the open shots, keeping the turnovers under control, and winning the rebounding battle. If they can do those things and keep it close, the pressure will really increase for the Celtics at home. And I think this is a team that might crack under all that pressure. Or at least that's what I hope. We'll see in about 10 hours...

Did 'The Dunk' unleash Game 5 LeBron? We'll know soon...

Tribe Update: The Indians have now won 6 of their last 8 games after last night's 4-0 win over Oakland. We knew this team had good pitching coming into this season, but I'm not sure even the most optimistic Tribe fan could have expected this: Indians starting pitchers have not given up a run in their last 34 innings. That number is just mind-boggling. The team is now back over .500 and let's hope it stays that way for the rest of the year. Only a half game out of first now and a (hopefully) rejuvenated CC Sabathia on the mound tonight.

Game 4 Thoughts

Tonight's game is the biggest one at the Q since Game 6 vs. Detroit last year. Yes, I'm excluding the Finals from consideration because I think the team was just happy to be there and not really ready to face the Spurs. So as I sit here and prepare myself mentally for what I expect to be an exhausting game, here are my thoughts:

1. LeBron HAS to start making shots. I don't think it's physically possible for him to stay sub-30% for the entire series. He is just too good a player, no matter what the Celtics try defensively.
2. Ray Allen also HAS to start making shots. He is now 1-11 from 3-point range in the series. He has made things a lot easier on Wally Szczerbiak by missing open looks. And if he wants to continue, who am I to stop him?
3. Ben Wallace HAS to play. He is listed as day-to-day with the inner ear infection and allergy problems and I fully expect him to play. In my previous post, I outlined why he is so important to this team. And even if Garnett is shooting 59% for the series, I shudder to think where we'd be without Big Ben on him.
4. The Cavaliers need to play with the same step-on-their-throats mentality that they displayed on Saturday. I expect the Celtics to be more focused and determined at the start of this one. But if the Cavs can still get them down early, it might be very demoralizing for them.
5. The fans need to bring it just like on Saturday. The Q was as rowdy as I've seen it in a long time for Game 3. I'm hoping for the same type of atmosphere tonight. But it will largely be up to the players to set the tone early on and the crowd will follow.

Interesting note: The Cavaliers are 5-2 in Game 4's in the LBJ era, with their only losses coming in Washington in 2006 and vs. the Spurs in last year's Finals. Boston has also lost 7 games in a row overall at the Q.

Game 4 usually brings out the best in the Cavs - will LBJ return to form?

Down in a hole... losing control

That's one of my favorite AiC songs from my college days, and an appropriate way to describe our Cavaliers today. I purposely waited to post my thoughts from Game 2 for a variety of reasons. Honestly, I'm tired of having to wait to spill my thoughts after these head-scratching losses. I have no answer for how the Cavaliers can race to a 21-9 first quarter lead, and then let it all slip away so quickly. I know the Celtics play very good defense. I know the crowd was likely a factor in the first two games. But I don't see how our shooters can perform so poorly. And I have no explanation for our terrible execution on offense or the incredible amount of unforced turnovers. It feels like a broken record at times with this team on the road this year. But I don't think it has looked worse than it did yesterday in the second quarter for the Cavs.

I've been trying to tell myself all morning that we were down 0-2 the last two years to the Pistons and rallied to win the next three both times, even closing out the Pistons in Game 6 last year a fourth win in a row. I know it's possible with LeBron - really anything is possible when he's on your team. But the Celtics play such good defense, I don't see them letting LeBron go off like he did with his "Video Game James" performance in Game 5 of the ECF last year. I hope I'm wrong and he can silence the critics yet again. I will be at the Q tomorrow night hoping like the rest of Cleveland that our team has an answer at home yet again...

These easy looks have been few and far between for LBJ in Round 2

Also, as expected yesterday, the Tribe lost in their final game ever (barring this postseason) in Yankee Stadium 6-3. Paul Byrd gave up three home runs and the offense just never really got going (shocker, I know). That runs the Tribe's losing streak in weekday getaway games to about 75 (OK, maybe a slight exaggeration). If you're wondering, the next scheduled one of those games is Wednesday, May 28 vs. the White Sox. I'm already chalking up an "L" for that game unless Cliff Lee is pitching that day.

Two Season Finales?

So we know for sure that last night was the Cavaliers' regular season finale. They lost at home to the Detroit Pistons in a purely meaningless game. LeBron and Z didn't even suit up for the wine and gold. I can think of three good things to happen last night: 1) no further injuries going into the postseason, 2) LeBron locked up the first-ever league scoring title by a Cavalier to add to his ever-expanding list of amazing achievements, and 3) Wally Szczerbiak netted 18 points in 43 minutes to hopefully give him some confidence for the playoffs. One particularly bad thing to note from last night: Damon Jones finally got off the bench and started the game - but went just 1-12 from the field in 37 minutes. Yikes.

The other possible season finale from last night happened just next door on the baseball diamond, where the Tribe fell to the Tigers, 13-2. This is not your typical gloom and doom, reverse psychology attempt on my part (well maybe it is), but this team is in serious trouble. CC Sabathia was shelled again last night, further proving team ownership is justified in not giving him a 7-year $120M deal that he will inevitably get in free agency. As my buddy Nicko said, it's time for a players'-only meeting. It's time to shake things up. It's time to rattle some cages. Something needs to be done before this season is lost already. This one dropped the Tribe to 5-10 and a last-place tie in the Central. Wow, and I thought my wisdom teeth extraction would be the lowlight of my Wednesday.

The big man can't even watch Renteria's grand slam in the 5th
... and the feeling is mutual for most Tribe fans when he pitches now

*Update* The Cavs have released their Round 1 schedule vs. the Wizards. Here's the rundown:

Game 1 - vs WAS, Sat. April 19, 12:30 pm, ESPN
Game 2 - vs WAS, Mon. April 21, 7:00 pm, TNT
Game 3 - @ WAS, Thu. April 24, 8:00 pm, TNT
Game 4 - @ WAS, Sun. April 27, 1:00 pm, ABC
*Game 5 - vs WAS, Wed. April 29, TBD
*Game 6 - @ WAS, Fri. May 2, TBD
*Game 7 - vs WAS, Tue. May 4, TBD
(* if necessary)

My prediction: Cavs in 6

One to remember, one to definitely forget

In the first game tonight - a game the Cavaliers absolutely needed in order to secure home court in the first round - there was a very bizarre ending. They took an 8-point lead going into the 4th quarter and in true 2008 Cavalier fashion, wasted it away in a matter of minutes. So the final quarter ended up being a dog fight, with some guy on Philly named Lou Williams making some incredible shots. He hit one with 5.1 seconds left to give the Sixers a one-point lead.

So after Philly took their final foul to give, the ball was in LeBron's hands with 4.1 seconds left. He drove hard into the lane, seemed to get fouled (of course no whistle), the ball was tipped by Samuel Dalembert and fell right into Devin Brown's hands. Then Dalembert steamrolled into Brown as he put up a shot that missed and the final horn sounded. Confetti dropped from the rafters and the Sixers ran into the locker room. I sat there mystified, wondering how no foul was called. I even ran the play back over and over on my DVR and noticed that the ref under the basket raised his hand to signal a foul, then waved his arms as if to say no shot.

Of course I was pissed that we blew another game and it would come down to the final game at home on Wednesday against the Pistons to secure home court. Definitely not a fun task the way we've been playing down the stretch. As this was going through my head, I noticed the refs were huddling at the scorer's table, looking at the replay monitor. They actually reviewed it, got the call right, and awarded two shots to Devin with .2 seconds on the clock! I must admit that I incorrectly predicted that Brown would miss both shots. Thankfully he actually drained both of them and locked up home court in the first round. So bring on Arenas, Stevenson, Soulja Boy, etc. etc. It will be fun eliminating those guys for a third straight season.

Home court came down to 2 Devin Brown FT's and LBJ knew he'd drain them

Now onto the Tribe game... this ending was a little more painful. Let's just say that Joe Borowski and Manny Ramirez were prominently involved. There were a lot of fair weather Boston fans who live in Cleveland happy after Manny's 9th inning home run actually landed. I will now go shave my tongue will a dull razor to get rid of the taste of this game. Ugh.