The simplistic view of the Eastern Conference finals was the Cavaliers needed to make some shots. Last night, the wine and gold shot 50% from the floor, and went on to defeat the Orlando Magic 114-104 to force a Game 6 Saturday night in Florida.
Mo Williams finally regained his shooting eye, scoring 24 points on 7 of 14 shooting (including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc), and the Cavs got a better effort from the bench, offensively from Daniel Gibson, and defensively from Ben Wallace in the victory. Oh yeah, LeBron James continued his tremendous play in the series, getting a triple double in the win, scoring 37 points, grabbing 14 boards, and dishing out 12 assists.
Orlando shot just 46% for the game, and just 32% from the three-point line, a drastic drop from the 45% they shot in the previous game. More of these attempts appeared to be contested by Cavalier defenders, which is a big improvement from earlier in the series. The Magic attempted only 25 threes, also down from previous games. Also, Rafer Alston returned to being well, Rafer Alston, making just one shot all evening.
James got others going early, particularly Williams, who hit three three pointers in the first quarter, but in the fourth quarter, Mike Brown put #23 in the middle of the floor, making it tougher to double team him, and he drove, shot jumpers, hit open teammates, and generally showed why he was the league MVP with another stunning performance. Of course, he has made the same passes all series long, but this time the guys made the open looks The King created.
It was a brilliant move by the coaching staff, and now it is Stan Van Gundy who has to adjust, otherwise LeBron will control the rest of the series.
James also guarded Hedo Turkoglu during much of the fourth quarter, jamming up the pick and roll game that has been so effective for Orlando in this series.
Besides Williams, the Cavaliers needed someone from the bench to get going, and Gibson filled the bill. He hit three big threes in the second half. Also, Wally Szczerbiak did a nice job defensively on Rashard Lewis and his presence on the floor helps open the court so others can attack the basket.
Once again, the Magic complained about foul calls, saying James gets preferential treatment from the officials when the Cavs were whistled for more fouls than Orlando, and the Magic shot more free throws. Zydrunas Ilgauskas took exception early in the game to a Dwight Howard elbow, and he seems to be pretty free with swinging them around both on rebounds and when he gets the ball down low.
The one disturbing development from last night’s game was another big lead was blown. The wine and gold went up by 22 points early in the second quarter only to have the Magic rally to close that lead to one at the end of the first half, and Orlando actually led by eight early in the third quarter. Turnovers had a lot to do with this, and I understand the Magic’s style of play lends itself to these wild swings, but it sure does make it for a very nervous game watching experience.
The Cavaliers did what they had to do last night. Now, they have to win in Orlando to force a deciding seventh game. The Cavs had a chance to win both games on the Magic home court, so the wine and gold have no reason to be intimidated by playing there. They simply need to get it done, and once again they need someone else besides James to make shots. Perhaps it’s Delonte West or Szczerbiak tomorrow night, but somebody has to help #23.
Remember, when you have the best player on the court, you always have a chance. Ask Detroit about Game 5 just two years ago.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 