or instance, in a column which appeared in Tuesday’s Akron Beacon-Journal, columnist Terry Pluto wrote how most of the “experts” were picking against the Cavs.....he continued how the national media is under-estimating LeBron James’ competitiveness: "Here's what those of us who have followed James from early in his St. Vincent-St. Mary days know: He believes he'll win every game he plays.”.....
There is no doubt that is true about James, but Pluto and other Northeast Ohio media people forget that there is a player on San Antonio who is just as competitive - Tim Duncan....Duncan is the forgotten player in this series....most people don’t realize that he already has three NBA titles and is just as competitive as King James.....
James’ 48 point Game 5 performance reminds me of the NFL game last December when the Saints played at the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football....Reggie Bush scored four touchdowns and was the talk of the nation about how that was his "coming out party"....the Saints were solid the rest of the year, but Bush never matched that Sunday Night performance...
James cannot level out, like Bush did, if the Cavs want to win the series....take away the 48 point night, and in the Cavs' three other wins in the Detroit series, James averaged 25.6 points and dished out 9.3 assists per game....is that enough to beat the Spurs??.....I don’t think so....James needs to top at least 30 a game and still maintain that 8-9 assists per game too.....
Another concern is is all the celebration in Cleveland....in yesterday’s San Antonio Express-News, an article was written how the Cavs' Eric Snow is getting nervous how some of his teammates and the city are all giddy after Saturday’s monumental win....the Cavs are ecstatic in just making The Finals while the Spurs are not content unless they win The Finals.....
The Cavs a
re a heavy underdog....for the series, you would have to place $50 on the Spurs just to win $10 while you can place $10 on the Cavs to win $35.....so that brings me to this question - can the Cavs win this series?....yes!!....but like I wrote earlier, the Cavs will need even more of an effort by James.....in their four wins over Detroit, only in game 5 did James dominate ala Jordan or Bird.....in this series, the Cavs will need at least two or three games like that from James -- and it is quite possible that he can do that....the talent is there....but the fact is, he will have to elevate his game to an even higher level in The Finals....
I always like to put a little money on sporting events, so that is why I took a chance with the Cavs.....for a $10 bet, it is worth a shot....even though I believe the Cavs have a chance to win this series, but I know it will probably not happen....the Spurs are a better all-around team who is not coached by someone named Flip.....Gregg Popovich has more NBA titles than Larry Brown, Lenny Wilkens, Billy Cunningham, and Red Holtzman.....I'm not trying to rain on the city of Cleveland's parade because I do like James and think he is good for the league....even though I am taking a chance by putting some money on the Cavs, I know that more than likely the Spurs will win in 5.....
Here are some links for tonight's Game 1
The Plain Dealer’s Bill Livingston writes that the time has come for LeBron James to etch his name with other NBA greats who put a stamp on their career with defining moments in The Finals....
Ohio governor Ted Strickland is jumping on the Nike bandwagon with LeBron James....even the governor is “witnessing” greatness....
Akron Beacon-Journal columnist Terry Pluto writes how the Cavs have one of the better defenses in the NBA....just ask Vince Carter.....
San Antonio Express-News columnist gives his thoughts on The Finals....if the Spurs can slow down James, don’t be surprised for a sweep....
Former Spur Sean Elliott writes that this will not be an easy series for the Spurs....and the Spurs better hope this does not go seven games....
Former Spur great George “Iceman” Gervin was at the airport to receive the NBA Trophy.....will it stay in possession of the Spurs when it is all said and done?.....
USA Today’s Greg Boeck writes about the links between the two teams - starting with Cavs head coach Mike Brown...
Washington Post columnist Mike Wilbon gives his thoughts....
Chicago Tribune basketball beat writer Sam Smith gives his thoughts....
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