There will definitely be comparisons to "The Shot" that Michael Jordan made to eliminate the Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs twenty years ago, but LeBron James’ three pointer to win Game 2 against Orlando didn’t win the series for the wine and gold. However, it did save the season. Going to Orlando down 0-2, would have most certainly been tough for the Cavs to overcome.
It would have forced Cleveland to win four of five from a team they have struggled to beat over the past three seasons. I’m not saying it would have been impossible, but extremely unlikely is a best case scenario.
The Cavaliers still have some problems. They need to find a way to maintain the same style of play that allows them to take big leads against the Magic. They need to get more consistent play from Mo Williams and Delonte West. They need to get some production from the bench, where last night only Sasha Pavlovic contributed offensively. And they need to defense Orlando’s pick and roll offense a whole lot better.
Still, both teams are one shot away from leading 2-0, or trailing 0-2. It’s been that evenly matched of a series.
It appears to me like Williams and West have lost confidence in their shots, which means LeBron James should try to get them going early in Game 3. When the starting backcourt combo isn’t making shots, the offense becomes stagnant, with James dominating the ball, and everyone else just standing around. The Cavs did do a better job of attacking the basket Friday night, which is a good sign.
The wine and gold also made a conscience effort to not allow Dwight Howard easy dunks, and forced him to make free throws. Still, I will say it again, the best defensive strategy may just me to let Howard get his, and stop the three point onslaught. The Cavs had a 15 point lead in Game 1 with that game plan, and Orlando plays with much more confidence when they are hitting the three.
It’s also time for Wally Szczerbiak to step up and hit some shots. The Cavs need a hot hand from the bench, and if Szczerbiak could come in and loosen things up with a couple of threes, it would help greatly.
Mike Brown and the coaching staff have to be breathing a huge sigh of relief. This team was one second away from being down 0-2. On the other hand, if Rashard Lewis misses a tough shot in Game 1, they could be heading to Florida up 2-0. One thing is certain, the Cavs can and need to play better defensively, which is the strength of the team.
They should be a little looser after the best player in the world saved their season with a spectacular three pointer with one second remaining. The only negative in the comparison of James and Kobe Bryant is that the latter makes clutch shots at the end of the game. Cross that one off the list.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 