This ending for the Cavaliers leaves many questions. Only thing is for certain—LeBron James is a supremely talented player. We all know what he can do, but what went wrong? Where will James end up in the off-season?
In elimination games, LBJ averages 32 ppg, 9 rpg, and 7 apg (PTI). He is a two-time MVP. Clearly, he is amazing because many people are starting to feel like I do–he’s playing hurt.
Game 5 in Cleveland, a 120-88 thrashing by the Celtics, was the momentum-changing game in the series behind Ray Allen’s 25 points and six timely three’s.
In that game, the Celtics took the edge in rebounds (41 to 31), assist to turnover ratio, and shooting.
Assist-Turnover Ratio: 25-10 Celtics, 20-17 Cavaliers
(The Celtics scored 24 points off those turnovers while they held the Cavs to 6 points off turnovers.)
3 point %: 53 Celtics, 33 Cavs
FG%: 55 Celtics, 41 Cavs
These were the difference in the game. Oh, and MVP LeBron James went 3/14 for 15 points, 9 of which were from the free throw line. In fact, he did not score until six minutes left in the third quarter. He played no defense (1 steal and 0 blocks). Later in the game, he did seem disengaged, but that was not until the game was out of contention.
Game 6 in Boston, the Celtics experience made the difference. Kevin Garnett had a vintage performance with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Because he steps up big-time in the playoffs, Rajon Rondo had a solid 21 points, 12 assists, and 5 steals. His defense disrupted the Cavs offense.
James had a ridiculous game; he was one turnover short of a quadruple-double the wrong way. But his 19 rebounds and 10 assists were fantastic. He also chipped in with 3 steals. Unfortunately, just like game 5, James shot poorly (8/21) and committed 9 turnovers. It seems like he just does not want to admit how hurt he really is.
The other difference was the bench. For the Cavs, they scored 13 points—no one in double-figures. The Celtics, on the other hand, Rasheed Wallace (13) and Tony Allen (10) came up big.
As for James’ future, surely no one knows. When this kind of thing happens where a hometown guy goes down swinging like that…let’s just say I would not be surprised if James stays a Cavalier. If for no other reason, he might stay to prove that he can lead that team to a title.
R.S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. One of his life-long pursuits has been writing and covering anything related to sports, specifically the NBA. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
