After the Cavaliers three point loss in Game 1 to the Pistons last night, TNT analysts Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley criticized LeBron James for passing up a possible lay up or dunk to hit Donyell Marshall for a wide open three in the closing seconds. However, it was the correct play. James played fundamental basketball, that is, hitting the open man. Besides, if Marshall drains the shot and the wine and gold win Game 1, the King is hailed as the prototypical unselfish superstar.
It was unbelievable that James did not attempt one single free throw in the game. Can anyone recall that happening to Michael Jordan? I realize the referees allowed both teams to play, but not one charity toss for one of the game’s superstars? That’s a little unusual. That could be a reason he didn’t take the ball to the hole in the closing seconds.
In yestreday’s entry, I said that Sasha Pavlovic, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden had to step up and make open shots, because they would get plenty of them. The two guards went 7 for 27 from the floor, and Gooden barely played in the second half. Marshall went one for four, the one being a breakaway dunk off a Detroit turnover. That means he didn’t make one shot from outside. If there is no penalty for double and triple teaming LeBron, then the Pistons will keep doing it.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas did play well and made the Pistons pay for trying to guard him with Chris Webber. However, he did miss a key open shot down the stretch. On the other hand, it wouldn’t have been a close game without Z’s sharp shooting from outside. He was a lone bright spot from an offensive standpoint.
It’s very simple. The Cavs needs to keep the same defensive intensity they had last night, and start making shots from outside. If Hughes and Pavlovic can’t do it, then perhaps Daniel Gibson and dare I say, Damon Jones, should get a chance. If that happens, the Cavaliers can come home with a tied series.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 