Finishing Off the Wizards

It’s closeout time as this will be the Cavs’ 8th such game in this three year playoff run. And the chance to celebrate a series finisher for just the 2nd time at The Q. Remember last year, the Nets stayed alive in game 5 in this building, before the Cavs sent New Jersey packing in their gym.

LeBron said today he knows The Q will be electrifying, but had little to say about Brendan Haywood mocking him as a crybaby. He would only say this series has become too commercial and won’t get caught up in the verbal jabs, adding the Wizards have always shown that desire to do a lot of talking. No one has brought up the failure to finish off the Nets in 5 a year ago. Half of the rotation wasn’t even here in a Cavs uniform a season ago.

Daniel Gibson reflected on Sunday’s finish, saying it’s a real joy when you hit a big shot down the stretch and the only applause you hear is coming from your teammates! That won’t be the case tomorrow night.

A victory would put Joe Smith in the 2nd round for the first time in his career. He’s been on 6 other playoff teams in Minnesota and Milwaukee and they never escaped the first round.

See you tomorrow on FSN/WUAB or come join us at Gateway Plaza at 5:30.

Game-Winner

Playoff heroes who hit game winners never lose those memories, just like Damon Jones series winner in '06 with 4.8 left. Now comes Delonte West with his winner with 5.4left, just about the same spot on the floor in the same corner, a few feet further away than DJ's.

Delonte says the winner "ranks right up there" in his basketball career. He added that the play was actually drawn up "to get out of the way" and let LeBron do his thing, which he did, finding the open man. LBJ says the shot should do a lot for Delonte's confidence because at times he was being a bit tentative.

I asked LeBron if he thought DeShawn Stevenson had any intent on going for the ball on the flagrant foul earlier in the game. He said "No," and he didn't realize he was hit by a closed fist until his teammates told him. He added with a smile, "if that foul had happened in the park it would have escalated."

King James was also asked if he thinks Washington can come back and win the series.

His answer? "No"

On that note, it's 3-1 and time to head home.

Checking in from D.C.

D.C. has been jammin’ this weekend, with the Cavs and Cubs in town and Pamela Anderson too. She was spotted at the team hotel as she’s in town for a White House Correspondents dinner.

Nice little honor for Ohio’s own was received by Antonio Daniels as the Wizards guard received a years of service watch from commissioner David Stern. Players with 10 years in the league get one...this is the 11th year for the Bowling Green Falcon. Antonio says when he left BG, he knew the life expectancy of an NBA career was 3 years, so he feels honored to have lasted this long. He joked that it’s like dog years, 10 years in the NBA is like 70 years on your legs in real life.

With the day off yesterday, I had a chance to check out the new ball yard in D.C., Nationals Park, which is a gem! Not a bad seat in the house with three levels and from the top you can see the Capitol Building beyond left field in the distance. Bill Gluvna from the Nats public relations department welcomed us to the new digs. Bill is a die hard Cavs fan since he grew up in Fairview Park. Mom and Dad will be rooting on the Wine and Gold back home in North Ridgeville. Bill says he never misses a Cavs game here, when they come to town. The Wizards PR staff will slowly but surely try and bring Bill over to their side I’m sure, but once a Clevelander, always a Clevelander.

See you on Cavaliers Live on FSN.

Game 4

The pressure is still on the Wizards to win Game 4, but with that being said, the Cavs will have to meet the home team with force Sunday afternoon. The environment was impressive for Game 3, in fact some of the Wiz felt it was the best it’s ever been at the “Phone Booth”. The venom going back and forth between the fan bases is what playoff basketball is all about. LeBron chuckled today at the notion that he was bothered by the chants of “Over rated” and replied...the toughest crowd on him is still Detroit. LBJ did defuse one fan before the game last night. The guy held up a derogatory sign and LeBron walked over toward the stands with a big smile and said
“you don’t believe that...you don’t." The fan had no comeback.

Gilbert Arenas (who really is an engaging guy) says rather than feeling hate in this series, it’s sort of a “love-hate” thing going back and forth between Cleveland and the Wizards and DC and the Cavs. Agent Zero says “fans have to love you first before they can hate you(hmmmm...this is why Eddie Jordan calls it Gilbertology)."

But I see his point, if you are a role player, fans tend to ignore you. Gilbert says he does walk around Cleveland stating fans will say, "hey what’s up..you know we’re going to boo you.” LeBron subscribes to that same theory.

It was funny last night at the postgame press conference as one reporter had a long protracted question for King James, starting it out by assuming that chants of “over rated” had distracted LeBron. As the questioner was getting out the rest of his lengthy inquiry, LeBron smiled and looked at him like he was from Mars, let him finish his question, and assured the guy, those derisive expressions from the crowd did not bother him, and were pretty much ignored.

It’s off for a run to the Washington monument, and then a trip to the new Nationals ballpark, more tomorrow.

A White-Out in D.C.

It will be White-Out for Game 3 in DC as over 20 thousand white T-shirts with “Rewriting the Rules” will be handed out. It looks like Gilbert Arenas is starting for the first time since his return from injury, which tells me the Wizards will try and change the tempo from the start. The Cavs will need to stay even more disciplined from the opening tap to keep this building in check. LeBron joked he should wear his white shoes to fit in.

David Stern will be in attendance (I’m sure a part of his original playoff travel schedule not because of the physical nature of the series). Thus it’s like when you know the real teacher is watching, you suddenly are on your best behavior. Perhaps some of the flagrant stuff will be reined in. Eddie Jordan said he will now be the enforcer with his team, that if you can’t control your emotions, you will be punished, which means, find a seat on the bench. Caron Butler said he hasn’t slept well in a couple of days because of the way the series has gone and to change his luck he had his Eddie Jordan produced nickname “Tough Juice” shaven into the back of his head.

This is always a big homecoming for Delonte West who grew up not far from the old Cap Center where the Bullets once played (Michael Adams and Chris Webber were his favorites growing up). Delonte says because it’s playoff time, friends and family know all calls and requests go through Mom! Joe has a bunch of family coming from Norfolk, Va to soak in this one, too.

In other news, I’m compiling Damon Jones lines for a comedic write in some day. They usually come during shooting competitions on game days with the latest gem, as DJ, LBJ and Sasha were competing against Wally, Devin and Delonte. This, after he made a game clinching shot in the 3-Ball competition, "I told you...I told you (that he would nail it)."

Just like I told you if there was cheese on the moon, get a rocket and go get it. This is all off the cuff too which he sells it like Chris Tucker. He’s too hilarious.

See you tonight on FSN. 14 more to a Mohawk.

The Nation's Capital

We've arrived in DC, where the Cavs know it's REALLY them against the world, so to speak. They not only expect to get the Wizards' best, but in a very hostile environment for Game 3.

LeBron expects the physicality to increase, not so much in the flagrant foul sense, but he knows he will continue to take a punishment on every drive to the basket.

King James says he will continue to attack, and then attack some more. He then added, "we have to counter their punches." Then as reported, laughed as he caught himself..."not literally." Even LeBron got a kick out of the double entendre.

By the way, Brendan Haywood was quoted as saying he apologized to LeBron for the mid-air shove...when asked if that was true, LeBron tersely said "no".

But both LB and Mike Brown sound more and more alike as time goes on with both using phrases like "locked in" - which these guys have been and must remain.

Clearly this team is not focusing on any of the by play so far, and don't refer to any of it unless they are asked about it. They are assuming nothing as they try for a 3-0 series lead.

More tomorrow...see you on FSN Ohio.

Keep Your Composure

I would not be surprised to see Game 2 called a little bit tighter, given the intensity and physical nature of Game 1.

Delonte West says it's not hard to keep your composure because of the heavy fines the league will dole out. The consequences of one's actions he says are always in the back of every player's mind.

I look for three things tonight...LeBron to attack the rim even more, Gilbert Arenas to play more minutes and Caron Butler to take more than 10 shots.

See you tonight on FSN at 6:30...

Thrown Down with the Right Hand

Short workouts for both teams today, as the Cavs and Wizards get ready to strap it on tomorrow night in Game 2. A lot of talk today centered around LeBron’s crushing lob throw down from Daniel yesterday. LB was asked if he felt it in his back the way he had to reach back to throw that one down, or the way he landed. LeBron said, "no, not al at all." He went on to say “I’m good”, as all of us reporter types got a kick out of his response. LeBron didn’t say it in a cocky way, just being realistic. Meaning, that’s what he does, and expects to do.

I asked him who throws the best high handoff and he said, Boobie may get mad at him for saying it, but Delonte throws the best lob and their connections are proof. LeBron says he has told Boobie to “just throw it up there, and I’ll go get it." He added, "but Daniel took that literally on that toss, which was behind the King."

Daniel says he misjudged how far 23 had come down the floor and ended up throwing it too far back. Luckily it wasn't too far for LeBron to make the spectacular catch and smash. Boobie says the art of that pass is judging the defensive player’s length, and with LBJ you can literally just throw it up there and he will go get it.

Boobie was also asked in mid practice to recreate his little reaction he had after one of his shots. Daniel did the little shimmy shake again for his teammates and coaches, and everyone broke up laughing. Boobie says he didn’t think anyone noticed, it just happened because the shot felt good.

See you tomorrow night for Game 2.

Ring the Bell...

Ring the bell to start round 3, Cavs and Wizards. This is a rivalry because of intense playoff competition, especially two years ago, in one of the best series I can ever recall.

So, naturally these teams will get after it. DeShawn Stevenson and Gilbert Arenas' comments only add fuel to the fire. Ben Wallace was asked about it in which he replied..."It's time to put up or shut up...talking never wins any game I've ever played in."

Mike Brown said if his guys have to be motivated by bulletin board material then they don't belong in the playoffs. In other words, his guys are focused on what's on the floor, not off it.

LeBron chuckled at Gilbert's "we want Cleveland" mantra, adding he's actually surprised by the tameness of Agent Zero's blog, adding, "that's not as bad as he can get...and I know Gilbert well." King James motivates himself and doesn't need "he's overrated" bravado from Stevenson to kick his game up a notch.

His dual with the Wizards two guard will be fun to watch because of the ability of this defensive stopper. Some guys make the individual challenge personal, thus disrupting themselves and their team, but LBJ is too team oriented to let that happen. Stevenson by the way has to be guarded at the other end. He finished the season strong outside the 3-line.

LeBron says his back is not 100%, but then conceded this is April. In other words, every player is banged up to a point and he does not anticipate sitting out any games.

See you tomorrow at Noon on FSN Ohio and WUAB channel-43!

On to the Playoffs

We survived the 82 game regualar season! Now it is indeed time to Rise Up and reflect for a moment. Think about how crazy this season has been for the Cavs starting with the trip to China - almost nothing was normal for this team.

When you include the games Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden missed, well over 100 games were lost by the top 8 rotation guys, the most of any playoff team. Washington and Orlando were close...so, to still win 45 games was a pretty impressive accomplishment as the dust has settled and you look back.

The team went 17-9 in the 26 games Mike Brown had his full rotation in tact. That’s a .650 winning percentage, which over 82 games gets you 53 wins. The point is, in some years, the regular season is about surviving.

This organization is now measured by the postseason and that’s a good thing. Just getting to the playoffs is not good enough, it’s about winning a championship. You know the Spurs, Lakers, Celtics and Pistons think that way too. So, postseason success takes over what happened from October to mid April.

Congratulations to LeBron on his first scoring title. LBJ enjoyed his career best in steals and blocks as well(Gotta make one of the all defensive teams). Z had his best rebounding season, so did Anderson.

The beauty is it all starts new on Saturday afternoon. See you on FSN and WUAB for Game 1.

Pressure Cooker...

Hope you had a chance to watch that home court clincher in Philly. The mob scene that was the Devin Brown team hug meant a lot to him. Devin says it was indeed a little emotional given the fact this is his first year with the team.

As you may know, Devin is a 6 handicap golfer. He says he went through his same mental routine before his free throws that he does when he steps up to hit a pressure golf shot.

In fact, get this...Devin says he's been more nervous with people watching him tee off at the first hole at his club, than he was at the Wachovia Center with 0.2 seconds left and the house howling at him.

That to me is pressure and being oblivious to it.

Let the playoff pressure cooker begin.

The Final Two Games

It’s down to two, Philly tonight and Detroit on Wednesday. We’ll be keeping tabs on the Wizards and the Pacers tonight on FSN.

The Sixers still have 6-7 seed business to tend to. Toronto has the edge with the tie breaker here and finishes with Miami and Chicago, so they are in the driver’s seat.

The Cavs will face a team tonight which has a lethal fast break. Philly is tops in the East and 3rd best in the NBA in fastbreak points. Many times you will see them go all 94 feet with only two passes. However, the other night, Washington made shots which slowed them down. In fact, the 76ers were 1-15 from the floor in the 4th quarter.

This is always a special road game for Delonte, since his college memories all came here at St. Joseph’s. It’s actually where he first met Eric Snow, when E was playing with the 76ers. The left hander comes in playing his best ball of the season.

Delonte is averaging 15 points a game over his last 7 games, knocking down half of his 3 point attempts.

See you tonight on FSN.

"Father Knows Best"

For just the 3rd time since the trade, Mike Brown had a complete healthy roster, and against the Nets we saw the real potential of the depth he has - everyone who played, chipped in.

The igniter was Daniel Gibson, but unlike the past, it was not his 3-point stroke this time. Instead it was everything else, his hustle and speed became infectious. Chasing down long rebounds, pushing the ball up the floor and into the paint, pressuring the ball on defense.

Daniel, for the first time in his career is coming off a significant injury, and dealing with it has been a learning experience. While he listens intently to the coaching and training staffs, its a piece of advise from good old Dad that has helped as well.

As you probably know, Byron Gibson was an accomplished college player at Houston and taught Daniel that sweet stroke. The fatherly advise was not technical, but short and sweet. He sent Boobie an e-mail saying he had watched the past couple of games, and reminded Daniel to just just forget about the ankle pain...just go play and have fun. Push right through it and Daniel clearly did, not hesitating at all.

Boobie says his Dad has the "slickest way of knowing the right way, and the right moment" when to make his point. A subtle way perhaps through a little joke of making a point with his son, without sounding like he knows everything. Boobie says he doesn't know how his Dad does it, but he does it. And when he knocked down that little fadeaway off the bounce last night, he knew what Dad had meant.

I asked Boobie if he thought about Pop at that very moment, he flashed that famous smile and said..."yep, I did, and thought, he's right!...like he always is"

I guess it's a 2008 version of the old black and white TV show, "Father Knows Best" with Robert Young. Maybe an episode will pop up on Youtube. This Cleveland version of "Father knows Best" meant for good TV viewing on Wednesday night.

Wally's World Completed

Wally Szczerbiak will have an extra bounce in his step as wife, Shannon and their 3 children finally get the opportunity to join him in town today...for good. This is the longest Wally has ever been separated from his wife and kids, and it’s been a tough adjustment for him. Wally says thank goodness for technology because he’s been able to communicate with the gang via videophone from his computer. Even with the technology it still doesn’t fill the void, especially with newborn, Max growing and changing everyday.

Wally admits Shannon knows him better than anyone in the world, so getting his “best friend and soul mate” back helps in so many ways. It’s the part of being a pro many of us forget at times. These guys are human too, with the same emotions, routines and family needs that we all have. Without them, even the most focused athlete is tested…so, Wally’s World is again whole!

As for tonight's game, LeBron is a go for the Nets. He was in good spirits this morning at the shoot around so hopefully he’ll be able to play without a lot of pain. Z mentioned yesterday he hasn’t seen LBJ smile as much lately, meaning the back has been causing him discomfort.

See you tonight on FSN at 6:30.

Five To Go

Five games to go for the Cavs in eight days, and a two game lead in the battle to hold on to the 4th seed in the East.

Philadelphia, Washington and Toronto are still very much in the hunt. The Cavs' magic number is 3 to close out Washington...three to close out Philadelphia and one to eliminate Toronto. The Wine and Gold wins tiebreakers with the Wizards and Raptors, while the tie-breaker is still to be settled with Philly.

To refresh your memory, 3-way ties are settled by best cumulative head-to-head record...in this instance, the Wizards would win a 3-way draw with the Raptors and 76ers because of their 4-3 mark against the other two.

Toronto is 4-4, while the Sixers are 3-4 head to head. Now it gets more interesting in two team tie breaks. The Wizards win head to head with Toronto...but are losing the head to head with Philly, with one more meeting in DC. The next tie breaker is conference record, and right now, Washington has a better record than the Sixers. The Raptors meanwhile win head to head with the 76ers, but again, lose to the Wiz.

Confused?

Washington has 40 wins, two behind he Cavs, followed by Philly with 39 and Toronto with 38. Toronto has the easiest schedule left...five to play, with three at home, and of those five games overall, only one is against a team with a winning record...that being Detroit.

Both Philadelphia and Washington also have three home games left...the Sixers have three left overall with teams with winning marks...and the Wizards have the toughest schedule with four games remaining with teams above .500.

But the unpredictable element is how much Boston, Detroit and Orlando will push to win, with their seeds cemented.

So, sit back and enjoy the possibilities as the regular season still has a week and a half left.

What does your 4-7 order look like?

Road Losing Streak is No More

Big win in Charlotte for all the obvious reasons, not the least of which the reduction of the magic number to clinch the 4th seed and home court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. The magic number is four when it comes to Philadelphia, because one game remains between the two...the magic number to eliminate Toronto and Washington is three because the Cavs have won the season series with both of those squads.

Speaking of magic numbers, four more sellouts will break last season’s franchise record of 32 in a season. There are five more chances to get those sellouts, including the Bulls game tonight at The Q.

LeBron chose his words carefully last night following his first DQ since November of ’06. I frankly thought two of his fouls were missed calls - the 5th when he was fronting Gerald Wallace in the post, and the other out high when he was called for a block vs a charge. But the way his teammates stepped up the final 3:56 was impressive and made it a moot point.

LBJ was in comedic form before the game, as a lot of the conversation surrounded his meeting Stephon Curry, the son of former Cavalier, Del Curry, and darling of the NCAA tournament. Mary Schmitt Boyer of the PD commented on how Stephon looks taller than he appears on TV (and I agree). LeBron said "you must be watching on a small TV...maybe a 15 incher." LeBron was then asked if he invited Stephon to the game. He quickly said...“NO...I did not invite anyone to the game, or any game this season” (remember someone had written in NY that he invited the fan, whom of which ran on the court at Madison Square Garden, to the Cavs-Nets game the following week at the IZOD Center, which was not the case). And when I informed LB that Curry was actually born in Akron in the spring of Dad’s lone season in Richfield, he said "that’s why he’s so good!"

That’s why the King hosted SNL!

From Charlotte, NC

Spring is coming - trust me. A walk around Charlotte told us that. The cherry blossom smell is just too good.

Lots of building going on downtown including the NASCAR Hall of Fame. No better city for that.

There's still a buzz here for hometown hero, Stephen Curry's NCAA tournament run for Davidson. As you probably heard, LeBron went to watch Curry and the Wildcats while the Cavs were in Detroit last weekend. So, tonight Del Curry's son will be here to meet LeBron and watch his Dad's former team.

Curry, a national player of the year finalist, has Dad's stroke reincarnated - it's freeky identical.

We'll try and interview him tonight on Cavaliers Live at 6:30, see you then.