But you have to hand it to LeBron James — and how about Delonte West, he had a hell of a game himself — for picking the most dramatic moment to finally score at least 40 points in a game. His 45 wasn't enough to equalize Boston forward Paul Pierce's 41, which was strangely enough his first game over 40 this season.
But beyond the numbers, the moments were there, even if the circus shots and unfathomable layups were missing from James's game. Despite the Cavs not leading at all the entire game, they stayed within five to nine points most of the second half, and the score was 89-88 with a couple minutes remaining. For roughly 7.4 seconds I was believing in the upset. But, much like a second date callback, the Detroit-Cleveland rematch in the Eastern finals just wasn't happening.
(Photo Credit: Joshua Gunter/Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Article comments
1 - Cody Hunt
Paul peirce can kiss my ass because lebron and the cavs should have beat thos bosten cheaters
2 - RJ Elliott
What's your pick in the Celtics-Pistons matchup, Suss?
I'm going with the Pistons in 6. (But then, I'm biased.)
I think the Pistons will steal one of the first two in Boston, and then lose one of two at home in games 3 and 4. Then I expect a close Detroit win in game 5, and a demoralize Boston team getting crushed on the road in game 6.
Pistons-Lakers in the Finals? Sounds about right to me...
3 - Matthew T. Sussman
Two things going for Detroit that have happened since the playoffs began:
• They have a better road record than Boston
• They can get a lot of quality minutes out of Rodney Stuckey, saving the 4th quarter for the not-100% Chauncey Billups
But I'm taking the absolute opposite. It's looking like Spurs-Celtics. In which case I'm rooting for the meteor.
4 - RJ Elliott
Well, I've been correct through four games... ;-)
5 - Brian
that was great writing.