Boston Moves On, LeBron Gives Up
Celtics 94, Cavaliers 85 (Celtics win series 4-2)
Oh my, that just happened…
Boston will now move on to face the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals after a 9 point clinching win at the TD Bank North Garden. I’m honestly still in disbelief this happened. Again, the Celtics used a balanced attack of Rondo, Ray-Ray, Pierce, and KG and gave LeBron and Co way to much to handle.
But let’s be honest – if anything was telling about the last 2 minutes of the game, it was Cleveland giving up. 9 points is a three-possession game, and Cleveland should have fouled to send Rondo (who is not a great free-throw shooter) to the line. However, they rolled over and played dead. The most shocking thing I saw was LeBron James PRACTICALLY WALKING up the court with less than a minute to go. It looked like he didn’t care anymore. He might as well have declared free agency with a minute to go in the fourth quarter. But kudos to you, you were one turnover away from your first career quadruple-double.
But, let’s focus on the positive. Boston fought injuries all year, and slumped after a hot 23-5 start. Now healthy, they are firing on all cylinders. I did not expect to see this happen (nor did anyone on the NBAtoday staff). Rondo has grown up before our eyes and now has emerged as one of the top guards in the league.
Reasons Boston pulled it off:
Defense: Cleveland committed 23 turnovers, and that led to 27 points in transition for the Celtics. Cavs also shot 38% from the field in game 6. Rondo had 5 of Boston’s 13 steals, and got the ball down the court after a turnover to generate quick buckets. If Boston can keep this up and continue to apply this stifling pressure, who knows how far they can take this run. Offense wins games, defense wins championships.
Tony Allen: Wow, I can’t believe I’m saying this – but Tony Allen finally broke out – sorta. His 10 points tonight off the bench were huge, but he did a great job covering LeBron while Pierce was on the bench. Seeing him healthy hustling up and down the court was music to my ears. I’ve been waiting for this moment for 6 years…thank you for finally coming through.
For Boston fans – At least you can now rest easy, until tomorrow. Let’s hope the Bruins don’t complete the epic 3-0 collapse. Just remember Matt Barnes is TRBL and you should boo every time he gets the ball. Look back at highlights of previous regular season games – he started with Pierce, KG and others earlier in the year. BRING ‘EM OUT.
For Cleveland fans – I don’t even know what to say. Oh yeah – Big Z, go sell some DVDs in the offseason.
-Commish
LMAO. This was the most enjoyable Game 5 and 6 in forever that I
can remember. I was so ecstatic the Celtics sent Lebron home
and I have never been a fan of them.
I pray that he leaves preferably to the Nets (hey you never know!).
John Wall Courtney Lee Lebron James another PF stud free agent boozer bosh or amare and then Brook Lopez at center with an improving Terrance Williams coming off the bench. Trade Devin Harris if you have to for some role players or start him and Wall together and have Lee come off the bench.
Lebron couldn’t wait to pull that jersey off and throw it away after the game.
So where is he going? Chicago? New York? New Jersey? or staying in Cleveland.
Go to the Nets. Would make a great 40th bday present for me. lol
Also why were the Celtics fans chanting New York Knicks? Do they really want a potential division rival in Lebron?
Their wish might get granted.
Here are my knee jerk reactions from this catastrophe:
1. Mike Brown lost the respect of his team, and had no control of them. Giving up at the end of the game doesn’t happen if you respect your coach.
2. The Cavs got completely away from what they did all season, which was essentially have fun. If you’re gonna dance and take photos all year, why not do that in the playoffs? The pressure got to them, and they lost sight of how they played all year…which was loose.
3. My interest in the rest of the playoffs has decreased. I wanted to see Kobe vs. LeBron…plain and simple.
4. Where LeBron will play next season will dominate ESPN similar to Brett Favre, A-Rod, and Barry Bonds have in the past.
5. I’m sad.
The End.
Seriously G, I am feeling exactly the same way, especially with item number 3. I was pissed about the game. There wasn’t a playoff feel at all. It felt more like an exhibition. As an NBA fan, I feel violated, as though the whole reason I love this time of year was for nothing. Anything in last night’s game illusrtated none of glamour, the hype, and atmosphere the postseason holds. I cannot stress enough how shell shocked I am. I don’t even feel like writing until the Draft, but then I would be pulling a Lebron.
On a side note, everyone knows I dislike Lebron, but there has to be something that we don’t know. He looked like a lost child at there. No Heart, No Love, No Passion. I don’t like the way he represents himself off the court, but I always enjoyed watching him play until the last 2 games.
Three cheers for the hated Celtics!! They obviously accomplished what certainly seemed like the impossible. For those of us who hate LeBron James, or, more accurately, hate the here-to-unfore unreal hype surrounding this guy since he came out of the womb, the ending of his season couldn’t have been sweeter. However, here’s a tip: I firmly believe that when the Celtic fans started chanting “New York Knicks”, this cemented in the Annointed One’s head that he was definitely going there next season. I’ve always maintained that he was going to sign with the Knicks, mainly because he was psyched to “rescue” a terrible-lately-franchise, one that for years was one of the used-to-be-storied franchises. Now, though, the Celtic fans have handed Him another reason: REVENGE!
We’ll see…
Ref – Didn’t you root for the Celtics until recently? Ray Allen is one step closer to an NBA title. You should still hold an interest in the playoffs and not feel “violated”. I feel betrayed…
Y2J – I couldn’t make out what they were saying until Mike Breen told us after. I have no idea what would possess a Celtic fan to want Lebron in the division (except you get to watch him more often during the season).
If I was Celtics ownership, however, I’d want it because you would be able to generate a lot more revenue for home games against the Nets or Knicks. Helps the top line out a little bit when you play your divisional opponents frequently during the season.
PS. DOWN WITH MATT BARNES.
[...] other guys on the team. His frustration showed on the court in Round 2 against the Celtics as he gave up on his team and his city and let the Celtics win. Have you seen the highlights kids? Game 6, [...]
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