The Cavaliers got trounced by ex-hero LeBron James and his Miami Heat last night. Full disclosure: I watched the first half, decided I wasn't enjoying it, and changed the channel. So I missed James' 24-point outburst in the third quarter.
But from what I did see, it seemed to me that not only did the Heat players care more about who won or lost than the Cavaliers players did; the fans at the game cared more. I felt like if you pulled five guys out of the stands, they'd have played the Heat tougher than the players whose job it is. And what was up with LeBron's former teammates being so friendly to him? I understand their outlook on this is different from us fans, but it was a little bit disrespectful to you and me for players like Antawn Jamison and Mo Williams giving LeBron handshake-hugs when we fans all felt like punching him in the junk. Word is Anthony Parker was the only Cavs starter who didn't acknowledge LeBron before the game. Good for Anthony Parker. He's apparently the only one who understood that his job was to make LeBron feel uncomfortable, not comfortable; to afflict him, not encourage him; to defeat him, not befriend him.
Williams said something after the game about wanting to win very badly. I don't doubt that he meant it. But this game meant more to LeBron James than it did to any Cavalier, and it showed on the floor. LeBron's the one who came in wanting to prove his decision to leave Cleveland was the right one. As such, his new teammates rallied around him. The Cavs just seemed overwhelmed by the whole thing, and were the ones who couldn't overcome their nerves.
Oh, well. In the grand scheme of things, this is just one game. But it sure would have been sweet to have the outcome reversed.
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3 comments:
I completely agree, Steve. The players were heartless. Someone should have at least given Lebron a hard foul rather than yielding so many uncontested layups and dunks.
I watched the game and I can't stand the NBA (zzzzzzzz), but last night, I considered myself a Cavs fan. Maybe it's because I feel bad for Cleveland. What he did to HIS city, is inexcusable. I guess that's why these days I am leaning more toward college sports. Pro sports athletes are only in it for themselves.
Mullett, I'm also in complete agreement. The first time LeBron drove the lane, someone should have fouled him hard and knocked him over... a la the Detroit Pistons in the 80s and their "Jordan Rules."
Not to injure him, just to send him a message.
There was barely a wimper from the Cadavers (a fitting nickname), who seemed uninterested in being there and totally unprepared for the moment.
They're a poor team, Steve, and my offseason prediction that they would win less than 30 games doesn't seem like such a long shot anymore.
They should have brought back Bill Laimbeer for one game just to foul LeBron six times!
(Laimbeer actually began his career in Cleveland, Steve)
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