In 1976, there was Jim Chones's foot and the Boston Celtics in the midst of a title reign. In 1992, Price caught the flu from Jordan in the midst of the Chicago Bulls' dominance of the NBA. Now, in 2007, Larry Hughes had injured his foot, but thankfully, the Pistons may be at the end of their recent dominance of the Eastern Conference.
In game 5, the team experienced something it has never experienced before: having their own legend-in-the-making take over the game. Game 5 was the best performance in LeBron James's career, and it also resulted in a large 'W' for the team. Game 5 was a knockout of both the Pistons and their fans.
In game 6, the Cavs earned their right to be called the best team in the East. What began as a steady, seesawing game became the complete demoralization of the Detroit Pistons. Webber strained himself, Rasheed left telling Eddie F. Rush that this was "f'in' b.s.", and Chauncey, Prince, and McDyess all lost their shooting touch. The 'Masked Avenger' Rip Hamilton could not save the day by himself.
Meanwhile, Cleveland had nine players play at least one quarter of basketball, while Eric Snow continued to serve as a 'closer'. It was great to see a ball-control style in the final minutes being played with three point guards on the court for the Cavs.
What the Cavs need to remember after games 5 and 6 versus the Pistons is that the victories were earned by team efforts, not just offensive dominance by individual players. It took players fulfilling their roles and playing up to their potential in order to beat Detroit. And, a true Cleveland Cavalier team is always about the team, regardless of the capabilities of individual players.
In game 5, the team experienced something it has never experienced before: having their own legend-in-the-making take over the game. Game 5 was the best performance in LeBron James's career, and it also resulted in a large 'W' for the team. Game 5 was a knockout of both the Pistons and their fans.
In game 6, the Cavs earned their right to be called the best team in the East. What began as a steady, seesawing game became the complete demoralization of the Detroit Pistons. Webber strained himself, Rasheed left telling Eddie F. Rush that this was "f'in' b.s.", and Chauncey, Prince, and McDyess all lost their shooting touch. The 'Masked Avenger' Rip Hamilton could not save the day by himself.
Meanwhile, Cleveland had nine players play at least one quarter of basketball, while Eric Snow continued to serve as a 'closer'. It was great to see a ball-control style in the final minutes being played with three point guards on the court for the Cavs.
What the Cavs need to remember after games 5 and 6 versus the Pistons is that the victories were earned by team efforts, not just offensive dominance by individual players. It took players fulfilling their roles and playing up to their potential in order to beat Detroit. And, a true Cleveland Cavalier team is always about the team, regardless of the capabilities of individual players.