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Time to lay it all on the line

Posted on Saturday 20 May 2006

Game 7. One shot. One opportunity.

The Cavaliers weren’t supposed to be in this situation. They weren’t even expected to make their semifinal matchup against the Pistons a competitive series. But the Cavs have proven most of the NBA wrong and find themselves facing a Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons, arguably the best team in the league.

Win, and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Lose, and go home. As young ballers hooping it up on the playgrounds, most of the Cavaliers I’m sure dreamt about one day playing in game like this and Sunday they will get their chance.

Damon Jones’ three against Washington. LeBron’s baseline layup. The Cavaliers’ exciting playoff ride undoubtedly has had its fair share of drama. The Cavs have played with a renewed sense of passion and desire since the untimely death of Justin Hughes. The passing of Larry’s brother has provided inspiration for the team and the Cavs have a chance to continue their unforgettable postseason run with one more victory. Can LeBron lead the team to victory one last time? That remains to be seen. No matter how you look at Game 7 against Detroit, it will be one with great intensity. Both teams will leave everything on the floor. At this point, both opponents know pretty much everything about one another. Scouting reports and watching tape is helpful but what it really comes down to is heart and who wants it more. The Cavs have one game to show the world what they are made of. Let’s do it!

John Blake @ 1:04 pm
Filed under: Cleveland Cavaliers
Complete domination

Posted on Saturday 20 May 2006

The Indians and C.C Sabathia continue to roll. The big lefty was superb in the Indians’ 4-1 victory Friday night, going the full nine innings while allowing only three hits and striking out nine. Since returning from the disabled list C.C is 3-1 with an astounding 0.90 ERA.

“He’s been a real big boost for us,” manager Eric Wedge said of his ace. “You never know what to expect when a guy comes off the DL. But we knew he had worked hard to get himself back to his routine.”

Grady Sizemore continued his power surge, slamming his seventh homer in the first inning. Eduardo Perez had two RBI and also added a home run in the eighth. The Indians are finally starting to get victories against teams that they should beat.

John Blake @ 2:23 am
Filed under: Cleveland Indians
Pistons force a Game 7

Posted on Saturday 20 May 2006

Second chance points and offensive rebounds down the stretch abled the Pistons to barely edge the Cavaliers for an 84-82 Game 6 win Friday night at “The Q”. With the Cavs down 84-81, LeBron could have tied it with a three but was fouled before he could attempt to do so, sending him to the line for two free throws with less than two seconds left. He made the first and intentionally missed the second which resulted in a missed tip-in. Rasheed Wallance led the Pistons with 24 points on 4-8 from beyond the arc and LeBron James finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds. Cleveland couldn’t knock down any long range jumpers, going only 2 of 12 from three-point land.

“Nobody thought we would be here,” James said. “Nobody thought we’d be in a Game 7 against the Pistons. We proved the doubters wrong. We have to prove some more wrong.”

Whenever the Pistons needed a basket in the game, someone managed to deliver. They never allowed the Cavs to sustain their runs for long periods of time. I don’t know whether it was lucky bounces or lack of hustle but the constant offensive rebounds by the Pistons at the end of the game was just a killer. This loss was frustrating not only because we could have closed the deal on our home floor but we have to play a Game 7 in Detroit, who has all the momentum now. Sure, we beat them on their court in Game 5 but it makes it that much more difficult to do it two straight times. Win or go home!

John Blake @ 2:13 am
Filed under: Cleveland Cavaliers