Category Archives: Cavaliers
Jilted Lovers Meet Again: LeBron scores 28 in third return to Cleveland
CLEVELAND, OHIO-In LeBron James’ third return to Cleveland Friday night, the place where the King once dominated court, hatred and animosity stilled loomed over the 20,500 seat Quicken Loans Arena. But this time, the hatred didn’t feel as real. In a drama filled week from a media standpoint, LeBron, who was quoted on Thursday saying he wouldn’t “rule out returning to Cleveland” felt no love from his hometown crowd.
While the boos and occasional rants from hecklers still remained, the outcome was eerily similar to that of LeBron’s first return to Northeast Ohio on December 2nd , 2010. After Miami jumped out to a 11-0 lead early on, all energy that was pent up prior to the start of the heavily anticipated game, was instantly gone. And from that point on, Miami never looked back. Scorching the Cavs for points inside and out, the Heat were literally on fire, shooting over 70% from the field midway through the second quarter. Unable to get anything going offensively, the only impressive part of the game Friday from a Cleveland fan’s perspective, was the half time show, in which two acrobats tumbled each other in the air using only their feet. Leading by 25 after the first half, Miami would roll to a convincing 111-87 victory.
The Cavaliers, shooting 39.5% from the field, were led in scoring by rookie Kyrie Irving, who totaled 17 points, including a few eye opening drives to the hoop. Outside of Irving, Antwan Jamison, Ramon Sessions and Tristan Thompson each scored double digits. For Miami, LeBron James finished with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Dwyane Wade racked up 22 points, and Chris Bosh recorded a double double, collecting 16 points and 12 rebounds. With the loss, Cleveland drops to 11-17, while Miami continues a strong push to a number one seed in the East, improving to 24-7 during this lockout shortened campaign.
Following the win Friday, James was quoted as saying, “It’s always special coming back here. I know these fans, they know me. They know how competitive I am. I just try and lead my team to victory every night. It’s definitely special every time I come back here.” For someone who is as hated as he is in Cleveland, those are humble words from James. While Cavs fans continue to belittle James for his decision from over a year ago, it’s clear LeBron has moved on, and so should Ohio. In December 2010, there was no chance of seeing a James jersey in the crowd, but tonight, there were dozens of LeBron supporters prevalent throughout the Q. As the boos dominated the environment, the fan base almost seemed confused when James finished multiple buckets with thunderous dunks. When lovers conclude a relationship with a brutal breakup, in order to find love again, each person needs to move on and forget the past. For Cleveland to ever have a clean conscience, it’s clear they need to just let LeBron be. I understand he left Cleveland on national television and ran a franchise into the ground, but everyone needs to be broken in order to grow stronger. And with the comments from earlier this week, there is a possibility the confused fans might find love again, this time in the essence of a rekindled flame. Until then, Cleveland should focus on this team, and the progression the city has to look forward to. Even after a bitter loss Friday night, the future is still bright in Northeast Ohio, regardless of whether or not the King finds his way back home.
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As Carmelo trade rumors swirl, arrogance and ego remains
After LeBron James held the summer of 2010 in his hands, as far as the sports world is concerned, another star was waiting for his moment. Buried in the shadow of LeBron once again, Carmelo Anthony wasn’t the only conceited star looking for an easy route to a ring. As tension began rising in the Denver front office, it became well known that the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft wanted out, and out soon. Similar to the LeBron issue, Denver has the ability to offer Anthony more money than any other team in the league. But is it money that these stars want? Clearly no. After taking into account the amount these guys have already made in their seven years in the NBA, what’s the difference between $20 million/year and $16 million. Once you throw in two All-Star teammates and a larger market, the money is meaningless.
Sports are…
To some like me, sports are everything. You learn a lot from organized sports. For example:
-how to play the game the right way
-how to play fair, with rules
-how to interact with others and be a helping hand towards a greater cause
-how to grow as a person
-how to deal with the situation your forced with
-how to make your teammates that much better
-and lastly, MOST importantly,
Sports tidbits for this week
In a crazy week of sports that involves championship weeekend in the NFL, Cavs-Lakers in the NBA and arbitration in Major League Baseball, here a few interesting facts that are products of this week.
LeBron plans switch from 23 to 6 in honor of Jordan
For the majority of LeBron James’ life, #23 has been a mainstay. Sporting the number his senior year of high school which resulted in numerous national televised games, a state and national title and earlier last month, a movie, the King or Akron Hammer as he has been dubbed all across America this week, is planning a change in his number to honor Michael Jordan. A week removed from a trip to New York which included a Yankee parade, draining a fadeaway j then landing in the lap of Jay-Z and numerous indications that James will be going to the city that never sleeps after this season, James is back in the headlines.
Cavs put end to struggles vs Magic
Coming off the Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Orlando Magic last season, GM Danny Ferry and the rest of the Cleveland Cavaliers were intent on one goal, to stop Dwight Howard and the Magic. With the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland didn’t lack for size, but the speed and athleticism was now in question after an 0-2 start.
LeBron Shows That It’s Really More Than a Game
Roughly a month before the Cavaliers kick off their 2010 debut, LeBron James will have a debut of his own. After winning three state titles, a national championship in 2002 and being named Mr. Ohio in basketball for three consecutive years, the only player to do so, James’ journey of his team through high school will show in theatres all across the country. Five kids that played together ever since their grade school days decided to team up and play together in high school at Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary.
Cavs Getting Bigger and Better This Off-Season
After leading the NBA in wins during the regular season in 2008-09, the Cleveland Cavaliers were bounced in the Eastern Conference Finals by a bigger and better Orlando Magic team. This season, GM Danny Ferry decided to jump on the bandwagon, acquring C Shaquille O’Neal, and signing hybrids, which are players that can either play SG or SF, in Jamario Moon, Anthony Parker and Leon Powe.
Top Five Eastern Conference NBA Players
For my version of the top five on Fridays, I’m going to do a list of the top players in the Eastern Conference. For the past few years, LeBron James has dominated the conference but within the last year, the list has shaken up a bit. Here are the top players in the Eastern Conference.
The King Looks to Hold Court
When the waning moments dwindled to a close in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James immediately left the Amway Arena. Upset and confused over why the team with the best record in the NBA had been upset by a trio of men named Pietrus, Lewis and Turkoglu who all answered to one: Howard. Cleveland was favored to run through the East, a conference suffering the loss of Kevin Garnett and everyone expected Cleveland to have a home court advantage similar to Duke in college basketball.