CAVS.SPACE

The Boston Celtics resumed their storied rivalry versus the Los Angeles Lakers by taking the series, 4-2. Paul Pierce was named NBA Finals MVP. The role players of the Celtics, including Rajon Rondo, James Posey, and Leon Powe outplayed their counterparts on the Lakers. In fact, a few analysts and fans declared James Posey to be the next Robert Horry. With a 2nd championship under his belt, he is on his way to chasing Horry, who has won 7 NBA Championships. Regarding the quality of play in the Finals this year versus last year, while the 2008 Finals were more exciting, the quality of play was about the same. Neither the Celtics nor the Lakers seemed to play better than the San Antonio Spurs played a year ago. Then again, the series played out more evenly this year. Furthermore, the Celtics and Lakers are historically the most successful franchises in NBA history. As the Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers came from smaller NBA markets, the 2007 Finals provided disappointing ratings i...

The second round playoff loss to the Boston Celtics a little more than a month ago was disappointing. The Cavaliers were in position to come back in 3 of the games in Boston, while in the fourth (Game 2) they held an early lead before Ben Wallace's confirmed departure from the night's lineup due to illness. However, the Cavaliers should not be ashamed for falling to the Celtics in the series. They gave the eventual champions a formidable challenge. In Game 7, the Cavaliers managed to overcome a sluggish 2nd quarter by actually outscoring an opponent in the 3rd quarter (Cleveland 28, Boston 23). LeBron James kept up with Paul Pierce shot-for-shot by scoring 45 points to Pierce's 41. While the acquisitions of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett brought the Celtics much attention, it was the performance of the 10-year Celtic that carried the team past the Cavs. Pierce has been with the Celtics' franchise through good times and bad. Although Garnett gets the credit for being the em...

The Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Boston Celtics, 4-1. Kobe Bryant is named Finals MVP.

The Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics at 3:30PM today. Win or lose, believe in this Cavaliers team and think positively. Besides, as Rick Pitino said 8 years ago: "Larry Bird is not walking through that door, fans. Kevin McHale is not walking through that door, and Robert Parish is not walking through that door. And if you expect them to walk through that door, they're going to be gray and old." Go Cavs!

Much credit has been given to the Boston Celtics this season. At 66-16 (.805 winning percentage), the Celtics put together the best record in the NBA. This was 21 games better than the Cleveland Cavaliers, who went 45-37 (.549) during the regular season. The Celtics were praised on both ends of the court, and their Big Three of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett had lived up to their hype. However, a match-up with the Cavs has proven to be somewhat overwhelming thus far for the Celtics. During the regular season, the Boston Celtics outscored their opponents 100.5 points per game to 90.3 points per game. This included 19.6 PPG from Paul Pierce, 18.8 PPG from Kevin Garnett, and 17.4 PPG from Ray Allen. Their combined average of 55.8 PPG served as 55.5% of the team's scoring. This carried into the first round of the playoffs, as Boston outscored Atlanta 99.1 PPG to 87.1 PPG. In that series, Garnett led the way with 21.0 PPG, followed by Pierce with 18.0 PPG and Allen wi...

(listed in order of regular season records) Atlanta Hawks (37-45), defeated by Boston Celtics, 4-3 : The Hawks had acquired veteran point guard Mike Bibby in a midseason trade. Then, Coach Mike Woodson had survived a request from General Manager Billy Knight to have Woodson fired. Instead of Woodson watching the team from the crowd or on television, he helped lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and, in keeping his word, shaved his head to commemorate the accomplishment. After the near miss of a playoff berth, the Hawks put together a better first round than anyone would have expected. Despite losing 4 blowouts in Boston, they won all 3 games in Atlanta and forced an unexpected Game 7. Unfortunately, where they go from here is uncertain. GM Knight has announced his resignation, which goes into effect July 1st. The team has potential to grow, but they must outlast an Eastern Conference where some parity is developing. Plus, Mike Bibby is on the decline, so th...

The Cavaliers let two games slip away. In Game 1, they kept the game close for most of the way and were in position to win the game. Although he did not have a wide-open look, LeBron James should have made the layup at the end of the game; Kendrick Perkins had conceded and not contested the shot. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers had proven that they can keep up with the Celtics. In Game 2, the Cavaliers seized control of the tempo early and dominated the first quarter. They continued to show the offensive abilities of Zydrunas Ilgauskas while playing decent defense. However, once the Celtics took control back, the Cavs lost their composure and never closed the gap. During the season, the Celtics went 35-6 at home; they are 6-0 at home in the playoffs. The Celtics have not lost at home since March 24th against the Philadelphia 76ers. Thus, a win or two in Boston would have been huge for Cleveland, who has been an average NBA team on the road (18-23 in the regular season; 2-3 ...