It's All About Inches

There are so many plays in Game 7 and in this series that players, coaches, you fans, and us broadcasters will replay over and over again. That means one thing: two teams a micro-fiber difference between each other.

As Delonte said best...there were few dry eyes in the locker room, because they knew as a group they had given every ounce of themselves. Especially for a 24-year-old point guard and a 23-year-old superstar, it means using that heartache of what just happened to sharpen their tools even more.

LeBron expressed his pride in what he and his teammates did in the postseason. They are in very good company, with outstanding teams who could not make it to the final 4.

To borrow a phrase from Dan Gilbert, at this stage it's all about inches...for the Cavs organization as a whole and for the players and coaches. Keep finding a way to improve every single aspect. It's the thirst to get better and keeping that single-minded goal of winning a championship that drives everyone.

As LeBron said so well..."We need to get better"..and this team will.

So, trust that there are even better days ahead...that's why as a fan, while I'm sure you feel that hurt too, you have to know we are very early in this ride. This was a speed bump.

And look at it this way...a new opportunity will come again, starting in only five months. And I can't wait.

Playoff Basketball

THAT was a playoff game! Three hours of intense, pit of your stomach drama. When LeBron threw down his sledge hammer late in the game, I saw fans hugging each other, strangers high fiving strangers...I even saw one guy grab his buddy by the head and kiss him on the cheek. Hey it's playoff love! I guess, a new meaning to the "NBA Cares"....20,562 were definitely a factor down the stretch.

Speaking of LBJ's rim rocker, he doesn't rank 'em, but did admit, this one against three Celtics may have topped last season's Tim Duncan Fathead because it comes in the Eastern Semis and helped slam the door to Game 4.

LeBron did publicly apologize to Mom for ahem, "telling her to sit down" when he and Paul Pierce wound up in the crowd at Gloria's end of the floor...LBJ didn't want Mom to get involved in anything with an opposing player, but in her defense, she was actually standing up to protect girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, making sure she didn't get trampled. Gloria said LeBron is plenty big enough to protect himself, he doesn't need her help...LBJ drew laughter from reporters when he acknowledged his timing could have been better, chewing out Mom, a day after Mother's Day.

Wally Szczerbiak said the chants of "Wall-y, Wall-y" gave him chills. They came during the 3rd quarter when his three buckets were so huge...one came right in front of the Boston bench and after nailing it, Wally looked back at them, not to taunt, but to enjoy the moment because as he was letting the shot go, a couple of
ex-teammates were saying..."Hey, he's with us...he's with us."

Not anymore!

More to come from Boston.

10 wins away from my one and only summer haircut!!

Getting Defensive

I know an All-Defensive Team nod was a goal of LeBron's this season...he did not make either of the teams announced today, but he eventually will.

The 30 head coaches vote on the first and second team members by position...LeBron finished 5th among small forwards behind Bruce Bowen (1st team) Shane Battier, Tayshaun Prince and Ron Artest. He actually received one first team vote and three seconds, the first time he has ever received All-Defensive Team votes.

King James had his best defensive year I thought and is only going to get better...just as Kobe Bryant has become a premier stopper, becoming an 8 time All Defensive Team member.

LeBron, as we often saw during the season took on the toughest guard in the 4th quarter, from Baron Davis to Brandon Roy to Kobe.

His strength, size and skill make him an ideal defender. He gives Mike Brown credit for making him a better defender and you can tell he enjoys the challenge of stopping his man.

Chase down blocks in the open floor are not a stat that is kept...but I wonder if any player had more this season. We saw LBJ pull it off close to 10 times this season, including Rajon Rondo the other night. It's a rare skill that Josh Smith and Prince also have...to me, it may be the most breathtaking play in basketball.

We'll see plenty more from number 23 as he grows as a defender...

Home Is Where The Heart Is

There's a reason why the road team is 1-12 in the round of the elite-8...home building energy!! It's tangible, feeding into everything a home team does...affecting the outcome more than any other sport. It started with a lift the half wine/half navy-shirted crowd gave the Cavs during intros, right into the lift Ben Wallace gave his mates by being out there in the first place, then providing the juice this team really needed early with his rebounding, defense and scores around the rim. His swooping rebound and putback early was vintage Ben from his Pistons days.

From there, the ball moved and shots started to fall and the Cavs were never in danger of losing this one, once they ballooned the lead to 26. 29 assists and 12 turnovers overall is a hard combo to beat.

LeBron met with the media, with his sidekick, LeBron junior. Little LBJ has a non-stop motor like all kids his age. LeBron told the gathering of reporters, "see what I go through at home", smiling, as Junior sipped on water, tested a second mic and didn't want to sit still. Dad had to tell him to stay cool. LeBron only had two turnovers in the game, as he said he made a conscious effort to make good passes, and not be as lackadaisical as he felt he had been in the first two games.

Joe Smith agreed this was probably his best game as a Cavalier. Damon Jones had told him before the game, be aggressive and knock down the shots you have always made, because the Celtics are always going to give their attention to LeBron. Joe said he was very aware he had a perfect shooting game going 7 for 7 until he missed his final shot. He laughed, saying he blamed Devin Brown for passing him the ball, forcing him to take the shot which was his only errant field goal.

How about Delonte West, tying his career best with 21 points? When he attacks as he did in this game, the Cavs move up a notch. Delonte says what really fuels him, is the desire to keep getting better everyday, and proving to himself he belongs in this league. He says the pressure he puts on himself is the true pressure he feels. Delonte said the coaches encourgaged him to to be aggressive from the start, and that he did...not just scoring, but dishing.

Z also set a career high for the postseason with 6 dimes.

11 wins away from the buzz of the hair clippers!

Suspended

Darius Songaila has been suspended for tonight’s Game 6 because of the shot to the face he administered to LeBron James in Game 5. The Wizards will not be happy about that ruling, pointing to the Brendan Haywood shove to LeBron while in mid-air in Game 2 which did not get a suspension...I’m sure Stu Jackson wants to try and clean up the rough stuff around the face, especially since this came after the whistle.

Look for Andray Blatche to get some extra minutes behind Haywood, which will limit the Wizards’ ability to play small ball somewhat. In case you are curious, while this series has been loaded with physical play and extra curricular stuff, the 10 total techs and two flagrants are only the fourth most in these playoffs.

The Dallas/New Orleans series drew 16 techs, the Boston/Atlanta series has had 13 of them called and the Denver/Los Angeles series has a dozen...each of those series had two flagrant fouls called a piece...it’s just that time of year.

The Cavs are loose and have won five of the last seven playoff games in the “Phone Booth”, so, they know they can win here...but, they’ll be facing a team just as hungry and aggressive as they were in Game 5 at The Q...it’s win or go home for the Wiz.

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

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...

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!

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.

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!

Delonte At His Best. . .

Hats off to Delonte West, or should we say head band off to the Cavs point guard who came up with his best Cavalier effort. He told FSN's Jeff Phelps he thought there were no more head bands left, so he went without one against the 76ers...maybe he'll be sans the head garb again after this performance.

Delonte has always viewed himself as a shooter, so, knocking down big shots is what he expects to do. In this game he did not hesitate taking them, or setting up others as he became aggressive. He says it's still an adjustment to being so open, playing with LeBron James, but LeBron has encouraged Delonte all along to take those open looks and not think about it.

How about his chase down block of Andre Miller. He's showing the shot blocking skills we saw in Boston. He has impeccable timing for a guy at his position to get those swats...

A day off for the guys, then back to practice tomorrow before leaving for Charlotte. See you Wednesday night on FSN...

The New Scoring Leader. . .

It's on to Milwaukee, unfortunately the snow storm hit them worse, closing Mitchell International Airport so we flew into the beer city this morning. It's the 2nd time this season the guys have had to fly in day of the game.

The last time was into Orlando last month, which was made palatable by a huge win.

As LeBron told the sellout crowd last night, the win over Toronto means nothing if the Cavs don't go get the win in Milwaukee.

LeBron's take over of the most coveted record in franchise history does allow all to pause for a moment to soak in what the Chosen One has been able to do. In less than 5 full seasons? Are you kidding me?

Mike Brown took time to thank 'Bron for allowing him to coach him and that's all a head coach can do, is ask his superstar to buy in. LeBron has done that and more.

And the King thanked Mike for making him a better defender and allowing him to grow as a player, while giving him the respect any player wants.

See you tonight on FSN.

Sound the Bell...

Get ready for Round 2 of the Cavs and Pistons, with two more to follow...and then perhaps they will meet again in May. There is no love lost here on either side for obvious reasons. It will be intriguing to see how the Ben Wallace factor plays in. Ben, better than anyone, knows what makes the Pistons tick, and vice versa. Ben has only lost once in the regular season to the team loaded with his closest friends. He says these games will always be special because of the battles they went through together.

Z had an interesting take on the rivalry, saying there is "a lot of BS" that goes back and forth and as a player if you get caught up in the grudges, it will take you out of your game.

The Pistons have their best bench in years, certainly since the championship year of '04 when Corliss Williamson, Mehmet Okur, Mike James and Lindsey Hunter provided 29 points a game and defensive energy. This group is even more youthful.

The most amazing aspect of the Pistons current run is their durability. Think about this...in the 4 and a half years since Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups have been together, the team has played in 420 regular season and playoff games. Combined, that quartet has played in 96 percent of those games, a rarity for four starters.

That kind of number speaks volumes about LeBron, Ben and Z's durability as well. Over that same period, King James and big Ben have also played in 96 percent of their games and Z, 95 percent. It's the difference between good teams becoming great, just ask the resilient San Antonio Spurs about that.

"The James" on Rush Street

How good is LeBron? He gets 50 and in Chicago they erect a hotel in his honor!

Seriously though this is where the team hotel should be, ”The James” on Rush Street...somewhere between Niketown and the world famous Garrett Popcorn shop...

Last night’s game was one of those performances (now many) where King James takes your breath away. He started in warm-ups, between the legs, off the board and a thunderous smash that had the crowd roaring - IN WARM-UPS - and now he’s doing it with a spirit breaking jumper. I know we keep talking about it on the broadcast how he worked so hard in the summer with assistant, Chris Jent, anytime of day, anywhere. Chris has a way about him that connects with players, a no nonsense approach, but an engaging personality that players can relate to. The former Buckeye earned LeBron’s trust, the way David Ledbetter did with Tiger Woods. Even the great ones want to be taught, or lent a discerning eye...

From where I sit, I see a guy consistently repeating his stroke, with the confidence to knock it down from anywhere, including that absolutely absurd 34 footer (the now official distance) to close the half. That wasn’t a heave, it was a flat out, leaning left JUMPER. His brute strength, along with all his other attributes, is what separates him from the greats, including Kobe Bryant...

I would continue, but my keyboard is totally covered with orange-cheese flecks from a bag of Garrett’s cheese/carmel popcorn. Don’t knock it, until you try it...
See you tonight at 6:00 on FSN...

Catching up with Jason Kidd

LeBron and Jason Kidd are enjoying spending time again with each other this weekend and playing on the same team, something they did of course this past August with team USA...

I had a fascinating conversation with J Kidd about LeBron and his leadership growth this past summer. Jason says LeBron wants to be the best and works at it. He said they talked an awful lot while they were in Las Vegas, and one of the things the future hall of fame point guard told him is the decision to pass to Donyell for the game winning shot at the Palace at the end of Game-1 of the ECF was the right pass no matter what anyone said. Not only because it was the right basketball play but because of how hot Donyell was in the Game-6 closeout against his Nets...

Jason says he e-mails LeBron from time to time when he catches something watching a Cavs game on NBA League Pass. I asked him what for instance - he said when LeBron leans back on his free throws or on his jumper...

Kidd says without hesitation LeBron is the the league's MVP for what he does for his team, leading the league in scoring and for another element we take for granted, the fact that wherever he goes, fans expect him to make the spectacular plays and be the star. Kidd says LeBron carries that weight every night and gets it done, the true meaning of an MVP...

Inside Look at the East's Practice Session

Other than gridlock traffic, New Orleans has been up to the task for All-Star weekend...the food, the music, the atmosphere has been dead on.

Today was All-Star practice, which is a very light run through. Doc Rivers wore a microphone so the fans could hear him run the practice, which was cool. Doc ran one set, and called it the "Cleveland play", which of course was for LeBron to score. Doc then asked LeBron to run it for the East stars...the 45 minute session culminated with a half court shootout.

Each player had to see how many half court shots he could make in :60...a physical task actually...even LeBron admitted it was tough. The winner??? LeBron James of course, who made three. Several of the guys like Ray Allen and Chauncey Billups made two each. Jason Kidd made three as well, two of them underhanded, so, the Guinness World record was split, LeBron with the traditional shot record, and his pal, J-Kidd with the underhand record of most half-court makes in :60.

Boobie Gibson signed autographs and read to some kids...he says his voice mail is FULL, in fact overflowing with well wishes from last night. He said Mom and Dad were beaming after his 11 triple performance, full of pride.

Daniel says it all still seems surreal. He stopped short of saying he's now the favorite to win the long distance shootout, but says, his confidence is sky high.

It's off to sample some red beans, rice and jambalaya. It's so good...and gotta top it off with a beignet (hot French donuts).

Big Easy is Abuzz

The Big Easy is abuzz...not because of the Hornets, but because the best basketball players in the world are here...and that, of course, includes LeBron James, as the All-Stars have settled in for the weekend...it is a hoops Mecca.

'Bron and the stars met with media from around the world for 30 minutes. He was asked every imaginable question from who's going to replace Shaq as the team jokester (he says Dwight Howard) to his new shoe...to would he win the dunk contest...he wouldn't touch that question, saying he has no interest. He was then asked if it was a million dollar winner take all...LeBron quipped..."ah now that's interesting" he said with a huge smile, accompanied by plenty of laughter from the hoard of folks around him.

LB says Daniel doesn't need his help to get ready for the All-Star hoopla, but admitted Boobie's eyes are pretty wide right now with the scope of this weekend.

We sampled some of the stars on who the clubhouse leader is for the MVP...Dwyane Wade says it's down to 3...Kobe, Chris Paul and LeBron. Chris Paul himself said LeBron is one of two he'd pick...and Jason Kidd flat out said it's LeBron for what he means to his team...he didn't even hesitate in his answer.

More tonight from New Orleans, following the rookie sophomore challenge.

The Closer

We witness another example of LeBron being perhaps the NBA's best closer...not only did he score 14 points in the 4th quarter, including the last four against Kobe Bryant, but he also held Kobe to 1 of 6 shooting in the 4th when he guarded him head to head.

After the game LeBron deflected any praise for his defense, but I could tell he was very proud of how he took on the defensive challenge. He really does live for the 4th quarter!

The "rain delay" by roofers leaving their soaking wet coats hanging on the cat walk high above the floor...the local radio stations were laughing because they work for the company called Cavalier Roofing...seriously!!! That's the name of the company! And it all fits because the delay enabled LeBron to get extra rest which is why he says he was able to play the entire 2nd half. Gotta love Wine and Gold Roofing!

The downer, of course, was losing Andy to the ankle sprain...after the game he was in good spirits, but definitely in pain. We'll know more tomorrow.

Amidst all the glitz and glamor of L.A. was Z decked out in a tan colored suit and tie...a rarity for the big guy! I think he just bumped off DJ for the team's best dressed award.

LeBron Update From Practice

LeBron has broken his silence on his left finger, clarifying, it's more the knuckle where the pain bothers him. Yes, if this was late in the season or playoff time he'd be out there...he's taking his time, being careful...he also knows home court advantage in a series can be regained in 48:00...and the way he's played, I'd put nothing past him.

I loved the line he said: "Teams better get their wins against us now. They're trying to kill us and talk trash about us now because we have guys out. When we get our guys back, it’s going to be a different story."

That's bravado LeBron may have been hesitant to articulate in the past. This again shows a determination to lead AND...back it up.

See you tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. on FSN Ohio from Charlotte.

It's on to Indianapolis

It's on to Indianapolis, home of Oscar Robertson, and right now LeBron James is playing like the Big O.

Over the last 5 games, LeBron is averaging 39 points 10 boards and 9 assists...it's the best 5 game stretch in 47 years of the NBA when Oscar averaged 40 points 11 boards and 10 assists.

Mike Brown says LBJ is making it look easy, and he's right, because the gaudy numbers are all coming within the flow of the game...he's not forcing anything.

LeBron says it's not as easy as it looks, but he admits he spent this past summer dedicating himself to being the best player in the league...and right now he is.

AC put it best on the telecast...it's like LeBron is back in high school again when he always knew he was the best player on the floor.

He knows it again...and is letting his play do all his talking.