2010 NBA Playoffs

[HD MM]

Calipari Conspiracy

Not sure if the national media has gotten a hold of this little tidbit, but last night, behind the Cavs bench and sitting next to LeBron's agent was University of Kentucky's own slime-ball, John Calipari.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but one conspiracy theorist caller on a local sports talk show this morning suggested that perhaps LeBron is tanking this series because he is so at odds with coach Mike Brown and want's Cal to come coach Cleveland next year.

 

[Skyhi]

One bad game, fine. I can understand that, but he's been passive, indecisive, and un-agressive for 3 of the 5 games. His play, or lack there of has rubbed off on the rest of the team. He needs to lead by example. If his shot is off, fine. Go to the hole, drive, play defense, chase down and block shots, whatever it takes. He has plenty of other ways to effect the game.

I can live with a loss if the team lays it all out on the court, but I have this sickening feeling that LeBron has so much more to give and for some reason, we're not seeing the all-out performance that we're used to.

In Game 4, we were within 2 points heading into the 4th. Ok, I thought. It's LeBron time. The time where he puts the team on his shoulders and takes over the game. That didn't happen though. He turned the ball over by making sloppy passes (very unlike himself), he was hesitant to take open shots, he didn't drive to the lane and create for himself.

In Game 5, it was more of the same, although even more ugly.

We all know what he's capable of. But what is he waiting for? I don't understand.

I can't really disagree with you on any of that. It's been tough to watch Lebron this series......He looks like a different player. A shell of his former self. I wonder if he's hurt more than he's letting on? This passiveness just isn't like him.

 

[Skyhi]

Not sure if the national media has gotten a hold of this little tidbit, but last night, behind the Cavs bench and sitting next to LeBron's agent was University of Kentucky's own slime-ball, John Calipari.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but one conspiracy theorist caller on a local sports talk show this morning suggested that perhaps LeBron is tanking this series because he is so at odds with coach Mike Brown and want's Cal to come coach Cleveland next year.

That's crazy talk, IMO.

 

[BillD1984]

I'm not sure what to make of this, but one conspiracy theorist caller on a local sports talk show this morning suggested that perhaps LeBron is tanking this series because he is so at odds with coach Mike Brown and want's Cal to come coach Cleveland next year.

That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard!

Look, as a Red Sox fan (pre-2004) I know all about heartwrenching losses. Arguably, no team had ever lost more in torturous ways, but for that "fan" to suggest LeBron is intentionally throwing games to get rid of his coach is mind-boggling!

Matt, I stand by what I said last night: THIS SERIES IS NOT OVER. The Celtics have been way too inconsistent at home all year (they lost at the Garden to the freakin' Nets for gosh sake)!!

 

[BillD1984]

I can't really disagree with you on any of that. It's been tough to watch Lebron this series......He looks like a different player. A shell of his former self. I wonder if he's hurt more than he's letting on? This passiveness just isn't like him.

BINGO!!!

 

[HD MM]

Another caller summed it up pretty well....

It's not that we are lacking energy. We are lacking poise, grit, and execution. They have energy. But it’s all nervous energy and anxiety that is resulting in all of this sloppy play

This was a good take and I think I agree. The team knows what's at stake. Not only to this team, but to this franchise and this city. The task of expelling the demons of a sports city that's been suffering for a half of a century is a tough one.

Perhaps going back on the road is a good thing? That arena last night was full of nervous energy. This whole city is on pins and needles. I admitted my nervousness yesterday. This team needs to get beyond that somehow though and just play the game they are all capable of.

 

[HD MM]

That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard!

Look, as a Red Sox fan (pre-2004) I know all about heartwrenching losses. Arguably, no team had ever lost more in torturous ways, but for that "fan" to suggest LeBron is intentionally throwing games to get rid of his coach is mind-boggling!

Matt, I stand by what I said last night: THIS SERIES IS NOT OVER. The Celtics have been way too inconsistent at home all year (they lost at the Garden to the freakin' Nets for gosh sake)!!

Sky & Bill, I agree the Calipari conspiracy is absurd and I don't believe it. Just throwing it out there. Cleveland is grasping at anything right now to explain the passiveness this team is playing with.

And I appreciate your well wishes Bill. And btw, all this "what's wrong with the Cavs" talk should not take away from the way your Celtics are playing in this series. Their defense is stifling right now. Very admirable! :up

 

[BillD1984]

From the Celtics perspective, if not for the game 3 debacle, I'd start to wonder if the C's weren't playing possum the last two months of the season. However, the fact that they lost by 29 points at home throws that theory out the window...............

 

[Skyhi]

And I appreciate your well wishes Bill. And btw, all this "what's wrong with the Cavs" talk should not take away from the way your Celtics are playing in this series. Their defense is stifling right now. Very admirable! :up

Very true. The Celtics are playing like champions right now. The D is absolutely suffocating.

 

[Ramy]

Remember yesterday when I predicted fallout or jubilation? Well, can you guess the set of emotions going on in C-Town right now? Good god it's ugly....

You already changed your avatar to the Indians. Does that mean you are giving up already?

 

[Lkr]

Mike Brown might be the worst coach in the NBA. he should be fired no matter what happens with the Cavs.

Sad to see the Cavs fans file out of the Q so quickly too, they should have at least let LeBron know how much they appreciated his performance with some nice boos. Lakers fans know how to throw foam fingers, LeBron could have used a few thrown at him

 

[The Insider]

No need to worry Fans of Ohio.. Football season is coming soon and the OSU Buckeyes look good this year. (Although they will probably disappoint you when they play against an SEC team in the BCS title game)

 

[salsadancer7]

The Cavs supposedly SUPERB "team defense" has been a complete no-show this series. Their defense has been terrible the whole series. THE ONLY difference between the losses and the wins for Boston has been hitting and not hitting ALOT of OPEN opportunities.

The Celtics, on the other hand, has tweeked their defense a little bit after every single game.

I understand the frustration of expecting the CAVS to play a certain way, but the Celtics TEAM defense have ALOT do with how the CAVS are playing. The Cavs TEAM defense is NOT making the Celtics earn every single basket they attempt....no by a long shot.

 

[HD MM]

You already changed your avatar to the Indians. Does that mean you are giving up already?

Not just the Indians, but the Indians logo on a white flag. Notice the irony?

And yes I will tune into Game 6 to see what happens. I've tortured myself for too long to not see this thing out, but I do think our chances ended last night.

 

[BillD1984]

If I'm a Cavs fan I wish that Cleveland's game 3 win at the Garden was a hard fought, close win...............and not a 29 point blowout.

Why?

Because after the Celtics resounding game 2 win at the Q, they were totally lackluster coming back home. That, I hope, was a wake-up call for tomorrow night!

Not that the Cavs can't come in here and win on their own volition, but I just don't see the Celtics lying down like dogs like they did in game 3.

 

[BillD1984]

Not just the Indians, but the Indians logo on a white flag. Notice the irony?

And yes I will tune into Game 6 to see what happens. I've tortured myself for too long to not see this thing out, but I do think our chances ended last night.

Believe it or not, that's not the consensus around these parts. Most fans that I've talked to/heard on talk radio (including myself) are still reluctant to declare victory in this series.

 

[HD MM]

LeBron's moment of truth awaits

A stunning, but honest critique of LeBron. Great read.....

LeBron’s moment of truth awaits - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

 

[BillD1984]

A stunning, but honest critique of LeBron. Great read.....

LeBron’s moment of truth awaits - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

“I spoil a lot of people with my play. When you have three bad games in seven years, it’s easy to point them out.”

He didn't really say that, did he??!!!

 

[Skyhi]

He didn't really say that, did he??!!!

Unfortunately, he did. He's been getting absolutely skewered all morning on local sports talk rafdio.

 

[HD MM]

He didn't really say that, did he??!!!

I'm beginning to see what outsiders have been telling me all along Bill. On the court, he may be unselfish, but from this article and other instances, I'm now seeing a selfish side of LeBron. (ie. how full of himself he is)

I mean, he has "witness" tattooed on one leg and "greatness" on the other. How vein is that?

Perhaps we're starting to see the real reason why he's yet to win the big prize in the playoffs? Perhaps LeBron thinks he's entitled to everything he gets on the court, which in fact is not the case come playoff time. The playoffs are a whole nother animal that requires maniacal hard work and dedication. If he expects to just be handed a Championship, he's got another thing coming, whether he's in Cleveland, NY, Miami or wherever.