It wasn’t the dominating performance the fans wanted, nor was it like the game they played on Sunday in Game 4, but the Cleveland Cavaliers did enough to win last night, 96-94, beating the Chicago Bulls and winning the series four games to one.
Now, the real playoffs begin. Saturday night, the Cavs start the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the hated Boston Celtics. No disrespect to the Bulls, who played hard and will be a force to come with Derrick Rose leading the way. However, the Celtics are basically the same crew that won the NBA title two years ago.
And of course, let the hand wringing begin over the elbow injury, which forced LeBron James to shoot a free throw left-handed with less than ten seconds remaining in the game. James showed no ill effects in his post game press conference, but then again, Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins were not hitting him on the arm at that time.
However, the Cavs didn’t play well again last night, allowing the Bulls to stay in the game far longer than they should have. In fact, they almost gave up a nine-point lead with a little over three minutes to go. They took a series of forced shots, instead of attacking the rim. It almost cost them a trip back to Chicago for game six.
The officiating also played a part as they took the Chicago big men, Joakim Noah and Brad Miller, out of the game with some questionable foul calls against Shaquille O’Neal. Those calls also allowed the Cavs to get in the bonus very early in the fourth quarter.
Remember though, that this Bulls’ team took the Celtics to seven games a year ago, while it only took Cleveland five games to dispatch Chicago.
It is possible that the Cavs attitude in this series was simply to do enough to win and advance, and now the intensity will be kicked up. Again, remember that the year the Celtics won it all, they went seven games in the first round against the Hawks, and in the second round against the Cavaliers.
The wine and gold simply had to win four games out of seven, and they accomplished it.
Brown does need to sharpen up his playing rotation. After playing well on Sunday, J.J. Hickson was on the court for just three minutes last night. Anthony Parker was a factor in Game 4, and he played just 19 minutes last night.
Delonte West did play well in Game 5, scoring 16 points, but certainly Parker could have played in place of Mo Williams, who had a dreadful shooting night, hitting just 2 of 13 shots.
Hickson has played well against Boston this season, and though it was understandable that the Cavs wanted to get Shaq involved more, but the second year man should have received more time.
Remember, this is not new for Brown. When he gets guys back from injuries, like Shaq, it usually takes him awhile to get his rotation down. The coaching staff needs to decide who should get playing time against Boston during these days off. Clearly, Hickson should be on the floor more.
Once again, the real playoffs begin on Saturday night. This series will be physical and chippy, because the Celtics like to talk. Do not underestimate the heart of a champion. The Celtics are just two years removed from a title. They will not be an easy out.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 