It's on Cleveland!

It's on Cleveland!....let the ECF begin against the team you all want to beat the most...just like the Pistons wanted to topple the Celtics in the '80's, and the Bulls wanted to dethrone the Pistons in the early '90's...The fact these teams are separated only by a lake and a turnpike makes this all the more juicy...

All of Pistons nation is supremely confident...they would only admit to having Cedar Point envy...they point to three NBA championship parades, and a thirst for a fourth....we just want our first....I'm old enough to remember Frank Ryan to a wide open Gary Collins to help beat the Colts in '64...so, I'm just as hungry as you are...

That being said, this series is personally as good as it gets for me...I have so much respect for the Pistons organization and what Joe Dumars represents, going into detail would make it sound like I want them to win another title...all I can tell you is this....like Danny Ferry experienced first hand what made the Spurs a model championship to emulate, I have observed on a much lower level, a similar blue print in the motor city...two different generations, with Dumars being the common denominator...

All of his Pistons have a tough mindedness and single focus that he had as a player...the intangible things you don't see as a fan...the culture breeds it...Mark Aguirre never had it before he became a Piston...neither did Richard Hamilton...soon, they did...

This all brings us back to the Cavs, and why Dan Gilbert on down are trying to institute their own recipe for success...yes, a few borrowed basketball traits from Detroit and San Antonio, but primarily mixed with a tried and true business model promoting teamwork that Dan has brought to the Cavs organization...In the end, no guarantees of a title, but success does breed success...

And part of that winding road means experiencing growing pains....LeBron and the James gang felt the kick in the gut last year, when Flip Murray's one-handed rebound got away...now, the Wine and Gold will run into the Pistons on a whole different level...because this is the NBA's final-4...They'll have to match the intensity and ruggedness on every single possession...

More tomorrow...as we get set for Game-1...don't forget to flip over to FSN Ohio immediately following the game for Cavaliers Live postgame coverage...