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The team to beat

March 28, 2009 @ 6:51 pm by Eddie Johnson · Filed under Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Maurice Williams, San Antonios Spurs, Uncategorized

We are winding down the NBA season and one thing seems certain… The Cavaliers, Lakers, Celtics, Magic and Spurs top the charts. There are some wild cards like Houston, Denver, New Orleans, Utah, Portland and Atlanta that might compete and throw a scare during the playoffs at one of the top seeds, but chances are it will not happen because these teams have a combined record of 100-115 on the road and in the playoffs that inability to get a victory will spell doom for them.

The Cavaliers are my team of choice going into the playoffs and it is not all about probable MVP LeBron James. It is about the Cavaliers support group. They have the best support group surrounding a superstar of any team in the league and that is why the Cleveland Cavaliers might indeed win their first NBA championship this season.

Every one of the five top teams has a nucleus of three All-Star caliber players. Cleveland has LeBron, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Mo Williams. Lakers: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Celtics: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Magic: Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. Spurs: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili – but that will not be enough to win it all.

The Cavaliers are the better team after we recognize the nucleus of each team. They rise above the other four when it comes to three-point shooting and versatile big men that anchor their stingy defense. Looks like a championship team to me.

Boston won last year with versatility and the Cavaliers have that same blueprint this year. They have been dominant with a 34-1 home record and 59-13 overall.

Cleveland brings a plethora of big defenders plus great three-point shooting to balance the dominance of James. That will allow them to protect him against constant double-teams and also allow them to grab second and third opportunities on the glass. These ingredients combined with their great defense (91.2 ppg allowed) and taking care of the ball (only 13 turnovers a game) are huge if you want to move on to the Finals.

Yes, the Lakers can boast of having some big bodies and a low-post game the Cavaliers lack, but that is only if Andrew Bynum can return from injury, which does not look good at the moment.

The Cavaliers are loaded with Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Anderson Varejao and JJ Hickson and all can cause damage in a variety of ways, which gives head coach Mike Brown many options.

The Celtics can brag about Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, Glen Davis and new addition Mikki Moore, but I give the Cavaliers the edge and mainly because of Garnett’s health.

I also believe the Cavaliers have the best collection of three-point shooters. Mo Williams, Delonte West, Sasha Pavlovic, Booby Gibson and Wally Szczerbiak are all money from beyond the arc.

The Lakers can get hot with Fisher, but Sasha Vujacic and the rest of the Laker bench have been inconsistent behind the arc.

The team that should really worry everyone is San Antonio because they will enter the playoffs well rested, but I believe they don’t have enough fire power off the bench to beat the Lakers, Celtics or Cleveland.

The Cavaliers also realize that the Celtics and Magic will face one another before meeting up with them so it would be huge if they could utilize that great home record (34-1) and put away their likely opponents (Chicago or Detroit) in the first round before they deal with probably a tough Atlanta team in the conference semifinals.

The Lakers are privately hoping the Dallas Mavericks garner the 8th spot over the Suns because that will allow them to avoid an emotional and physical confrontation with Shaquille O’Neal and then face Houston or Portland before probably facing San Antonio. Without a healthy Bynum, Pau Gasol will be exhausted having been pounded by Shaq, Yao Ming or Greg Oden before dealing with Tim Duncan.

The road is set and the Cavaliers have put themselves in a great confident position winning 11 in a row and having the best overall record with only one lost at home. That alone should establish them as the favorites.

There is no doubt in my mind who reins as the best team at the moment and now the question will be… Can King James win his first title and start the climb to greatest player ever?

Permalink

160 Comments

Michael Bennett Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 7:18 pm

Great article, Eddie.

You wrote “They have the best support group surrounding a superstar of any team in the league…”

The Lakers still have the better supporting cast. But, LeBron and Mike Brown have the Cavs supporting players playing at such a high level right now. These guys thrive because of LeBron’s play. Look at some of the ways they benefit from LeBron:

Zydrunas Ilgauskus/Joe Smith - Both are deadly as mid-range shooters. But, they only get that opportunity because LeBron commands a double team when he penetrates. So, that pick-and-pop works brilliantly. Also, LeBron is such a great passer that he always hits them in perfect rhythm.

Mo Williams/Delonte West/Daniel Gibson/Wally Szczerbiak - LeBron’s cross court passing and court vision always finds Mo Williams in the corner ready to shoot the three. When LeBron decides to drive to the rim, the defense must collapse, giving shooters like Mo Williams, Delonte West, Daniel Gibson and Wally Szczerbiak room.

Anderson Varejao - Cleveland’s offense installed a back door cut to the rim for Andy Varejao. The pass comes from LeBron. He’s one of the three or four players in the league that can deliver this pass off the dribble. This play keeps defenses honest, opening up LeBron’s game for the finish.

So, the Cavs players aren’t necessarily the best supporting cast, but they are perfect for LeBron. Much credit to Danny Ferry with building the perfect role team around one superstar. But, everything starts and stops with LeBron. It’s just great to see his work paying off with wins, and hopefully a ring.
Top_gun Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 7:28 pm

The cavs lost twice to the lakers already. Chances are, that if the Cavs make it to the finals, the Lakers would own them. LeBron struggles to be productive when Kobe defends him.

LeBron should just be happy that he won’t be facing Artest, unless somehow both Houston and Clevaland, make it to the finals. We know what happenned last time these two squared off.
Melvin Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 7:56 pm

I agree with the Cleveland Cavs. In the past few years cleveland has had a shallow bench and yet they were able to squeeze it through deep in the playoffs. Well, with the addtion of Mo Williams and them retaining their key cogs last season, this may really be the year for the Cavaliers! Boston and orlando has something to say in the East but well Orlando doesnt have Jameer and Boston seems to be unhealthy so lets see
Mac Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 8:37 pm

Great article Eddie. And I couldn’t disagree more with the comment that read, “LeBron struggles to be productive when Kobe defends him.” Huh? LeBron won each of his last 4 meeting against Kobe entering the season, and even hit a jumper in Kobe’s mug to clinch a win last year. Kobe is obviously the superior perimeter player but LBJ can post Kobe up at will. I think the Lakers will win it, but sure don’t think Kobe is the better player. He’s just more experienced in the Finals (thanks mostly to those 3 trips next to a younger Shaq).
Mac Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 8:38 pm

Sorry, I meant FOUR trips next to a younger Shaq.
Mike Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 8:52 pm

Cleveland-Boston-Orlando-Lakers-Spurs are all interchangeable at the top. It will come down to 2 major factors: health and confidence of supporting casts. If Rajon Rondo is playing at an all-star level and the Celts get KG back, they have to be considered a favorite. However, if they end up with a 3 seed in the East, beating both Orlando and Cleveland back to back with 1 less home game is asking a bit much.

I think it comes down to Cavs-Lakers, with Kobe finally getting his ring without Shaq. It will lead Cavs fans to question whether Wally Szczerbiak and Sasha Pavolvic were really too much to give up for Shaq, who would be a huge piece of the puzzle for a team lacking an inside scoring force and a defense that has had a whole in the paint since Ben Wallace went out.
steve Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 9:54 pm

ITS FUNNY. EVERYONE KEEPS TALKING ABOUT HOW GREAT CLEVELAND IS AND HOW THEY HAVE THE BEST TEAM AND RECORD. BUT WHAT I DONT HEAR ANYONE SAYING IS THE OBVIOUS. IF CLEVELAND WAS IN THE WEST WOULD THEY HAVE THE BEST RECORD IN THE NBA? NO THEY WOULDNT. THEY WOULD HAVE A GOOD RECORD BUT NOT THE BEST. IF CLEVELAND AND LEBRON HAD TO PLAY BETTER COMPETITION ON A MORE REGULAR BASIS WOULD WE EVEN BE TALKING ABOUT THEM WINNING A TITLE. NO WE WOULD BE TALKIN ABOUT THEM AS A TEAM THAT COULD MAYBE SCARE A TOP SEED IN THE 1ST ROUND.
LETS BE HONEST. BESIDES CLEVELAND, BOSTON, AND ORLANDO THE EAST IS A MUCH WEAKER CONFERENCE. THE 9TH SEED IN THE WEST(PHOENIX) WHICH IS ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN IN THE WEST WOULSD ACTUALLY BE THE 5TH SEED IN THE EAST. THAT ALONE PROVES HOW MUCH BETTER THE WEST IS.
NOT ONLY DID THE LAKERS GO INTO CLEVELAND AND BEAT THEM, LETS NOT FORGET LAKERS BEAT THEM IN THE 6TH STRAIGHT ROAD GAME AFTER PLAYIN AND BEATING BOSTON IN BOSTON. OH AND LETS ALSO NOT FORGET THAT WAS DONE WITHOUT BYNUM.
EDDIE I DONT SEE YOU BRINGING UP ANY OF THESE FACTS. I WONDER WHY NOT.
AND LETS STOP CALLING LEBRON KING JAMES. KING THATS FUNNY. LETS SEE HOW MANY RINGS DOES JAMES HAVE? UMMM 0. SO BASED ON THIS IS LEBRON IS KING JAMES KOBE MUST BE GOD BRYANT HUH.
I HOPE TO GOD CLEVELAND MAKES THE FINALS. EVEN WITH HOMECOURT THROUGHT CLEVELAND ISNT GOOD ENOUGH TO BEAT THE LAKERS OR THE SPURS. BY6 THE END OF THE FINALS KOBE WILL HAVE TITLE #4 AND KING JAMES WILL STILL BE WISHING HE HAD 1.
LAKERS ALL THE WAY
Craig Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 11:04 pm

this is funny. now hasnt everyone been saying that Lebron has been carrying a subpar team… now all of a sudden they have the best team…BULL!!!! the Lakers beat them pretty easily twice the 2nd time being the 6th game of a road trip, after beating Boston, in Boston in overtime, without Bynum and Kobe had the flu… oh yea and Cleveland was undefeated @ home. after all that the Lakers still beat them. The lakers will win the Championship this year b cuz of how well they play on the road. The only team i see beating L.A is Boston but Cleveland.. give me a break. the Lakers would take them out in 5 games maybe even sweep them but u know the NBA needs the monet thru these tough economic times. lol. ppl stop changing ur arguments (Eddie) if ur gonna state facts then state them all, not jus for 1 team
Joe Said,

March 28, 2009 @ 11:33 pm

we are all witness…
adklajdsfj Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 12:38 am

I’m tired of everyone saying that LeBron’s team is weak. LeBron is a great player, arguably one of the best ever played the game and I have no doubt that he’s going to win the MVP this season by a BIG margin. However, how many all-stars and ex all-stars does Cleveland have? LeBron, Ilgauskas, Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace, Mo Williams. and now look at Lakers, Kobe & Pau, that’s it! Stop saying Cleveland has a subpar team.
ALdsTaR Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 2:09 am

alright you r opinion but i think lakers will win it all

kobe will play allot better in the playoffs and we have beaten the cavaliers twice already because of great defense on lebron by in particular lamar odom

and in the playoffs teams will probably double kobe even more so it will be easy, cuase ryan hollins says the exact opposite if the trued : kobe will pass more if it brings him a ring man

you aint seen nothing yet
robert Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 2:23 am

Steve, WC is hardly that better this year. You want proof?

6 out of 7 worst teams in the league come from west.
Also, Cleveland is 24-4 against western teams, and 35-9 against east.
Of those 4 losses, 2 came against Lakers.

So you see, there’s not much logic in what you wrote, if anything, Cavs would do better in west, because EC teams play overall better defense, and Cleveland knows how to deal with faster paced/jumpshooting teams from west as of this season.
yhello Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 3:30 am

let the cavs come out of the east and then we’ll talk

and wow great point eddie about the centers out west who’ll put a hurting on pau gasol if bynum doesn’t play a lot if at all.

out of the ‘top four’ cleveland still has the worst coach and no one to guard a big scoring guard like joe johnson in the seccond round. I can see atlanta make cleveland work realy hard just to get to the confrence finals.

one way or another it’s playing out to be a great playoffs this year. I hope dallas loses 5 in a row I wanna see phoenix vs lakers
KURT Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 3:51 am

HAHAHAHA….I I CANT STAND THIS lAKER FANS….ALL EXCUSES WHY THERE TEAM IS BEHIND THE CAVS RIGHT NOW…..LIKE THE WEST IS A BETTER CONFERENCE…HAHAHA…ROFL….AND FOR THE ONE THAT SAID “STATE THE FACTS STATE THEM ALL”LIKE WHAT???THAT KING JAMES IS A FAR BETTER PLAYER THAN KOBE? THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN 2 SEASONS LA BEAT THE CAVS??OR THE CELTS TOOK 7 GAMES TO BEAT THE CAVS??WHILE TOOK ONLY 6 FOR LA??OR HOW THE CELTS DEMOLISHED, UMMM SHATTERED THE LAKERS IN GAME 6???HUH???NOW WHAT???
Zane Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 4:28 am

Good article Eddie.
This is basically a 3 horse race in my opinion, Lakers, Celtics, Cavs.
Spurs - too old.
Magic - too young.
Houston - no clutch
I like the Cavs chances this year as well. Lakers and Celtics have injuries to key players, they’re still good enough and have the experience to win it all. They will own home court in a 7 game series against the Celtics and Lakers, I think it will be enough to get them through, and I’m picking Lebron will step it up to another level again come the playoffs. You can see he is hungry, and he’s the best allround complete player in the game and has a descent supporting cast around him this year.
Sarunas Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 5:50 am

Houston has Artest,

Which is in my opinion the best wildcard any play-off team can have.
Artest can shut down everyone in this league!
And as we all know, in play-offs defense counts.

I believe the best three teams playing defense at this moment are:
Houston, Spurs and Celtic.

The worst case scenario for the Cavaliers is that they have to play the Bobcats in the first round. The bobcats have improved their defense a lot during the year. Diaw and Wallace looks capable of defending Lebron and Okafor is maybe the best defending center in the league.
Also Larry Brown is a proven coach, but also a coach on a mission, that could be very dangerous for the young Mike Brown, who also have shown on flashes immarturity this season.

I hope the play-offs will have many great match-ups and that the winner will be herioc!
Bob Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 6:34 am

(@Steve)

I’ve been a lurker here for quite some time but Steve’s comment made me want to post. As a European I’m not a fanboy of any team but I

enjoy the NBA very much from a neutral perspective. I don’t mind people being fans of certain teams but I can’t stand it when that leads to ignorance.

So here’s my comment for Steve…

Is the west really that much stronger, Steve? I don’t think so…

The East still has 7 playoff contenders left, while the west has only one (Phoenix). There are 16 seeds out there, not 13, and every one of those 16 is a playoff team, i.e. a pretty good NBA team that can be a serious threat to a contender. Just look at playoff history; those 8th seeded buggers can often do a lot of damage. That’s the reason why I took a closer look at the situation, and picture this…

Out of the 7 teams with the worst records in the NBA, 6 of them come from the west. You can’t ignore that if you’re trying to figure out what would happen if Cleveland played in the west conference, since Cleveland would play those teams a lot more often as well.

I took the liberty of extrapolating Cleveland’s records. 35-9 (.795 and 61% of their record) against the east and 24-4 (.857 and 39% of

their record) against the west. Let’s say Cleveland plays the west teams 61% of the time, then you’ll end up with a 60-12 record

(.833). Cleveland actually improves their record.

Of course, this isn’t all exact science but you just can’t statistically back up your claim in any way. If Cleveland has so much more

trouble defeating western conference teams, then they definitely wouldn’t improve their record after extrapolating their results

against the west. In real life they might drop a game or two and be at the same level as the Lakers in the West, though, but they’re

not going to be unmasked as a mediocre team just because you’re a Lakers fanboy.

And I’m not finished with your ramblings yet. What happens if we extrapolate the Lakers record to the east? Well, the Lakers are 38-7

in the west (.844 and 63% of their games) and 20-7 in the east (.741 and 38% of their games). If the Lakers play east team 63% of the

time, then they would have a record of 56-16 (.780). The Lakers actually have more trouble with eastern conference teams.

Finally, if you look at all teams in each conference, the east has the edge against the west (.520 winning percentage). Some teams (like Cleveland, Portland or Dallas) play better against the opposing conference, while other teams (like the Lakers, Utah or Sacremento) play better against teams in their current conference, but there’s no statistical evidence to back up your claims whatsoever.

So in conclusion, the east is the deeper conference while the west has a bit more star power but no bench. It’s a close battle but at the moment, the east is winning it.

Oh and…

TURN OFF CAPS LOCK! CAPITALS ONLY MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO IGNORE YOUR POST AND IT WASN’T A VERY GOOD ONE TO BEGIN WITH.
JBEAN Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 8:42 am

Decent article, Im glad to see someone finally give the cavs supporting cavs some love. I don’t know about lebron being the best ever though, c’mon, I actually think his supporting cast makes him look much better. How many assists would steve nash or chris paul get with all those shooters on the floor and the ball in thier hands 75 percent of the time. Lebron get so many assists when one of his teamates catches the ball and just rises up and shoots right in the grill of a defender. Lebron probably is the worst shooter on the court for his team the majority of the time (and he is even much improved). Mo williams is also like a more athletic and talented derrik fisher, he hits most of their key big shots and is fearless. However the lakers length will really bother them and I certainly would not put my money on lebron in the big moments.
bibifok Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 8:44 am

this afternoon, Cavs will loose against the Mavs, Lakers will capture best records again !
CAVS will not beat Boston in playoff, which is dangerous for LA, they have far more chances winning championship against Cavs than against Celtics
JC Rowdy Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 9:03 am

The NBA… where AKRON happens.

The Lakers sweeping Cleveland this year is gonna’ turn out a lot like the Cavs sweeping the Spurs in the regular season two years ago.
Marlon Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Eddie Johnson has always been a LAKER-Hater!
Wan Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 10:35 am

LeBron’s playoff game is better than Kobe’s. That is why the Cavs are the clear favorite to win it all this year.
Jim Jones Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 11:29 am

Lakers can beat the Cavs and the Spurs but would have trouble with the Magic and Celtics. Where as the Cavs could handle the Magic and Celtics, its just going to come down to match ups, but if the Cavs go to the Finals and get the Lakers, they will lose 4-2. Count on that!
JasonW Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 12:31 pm

Eddie, u gotta be blind to not see that the Lakers are the best & the deepest team… even without bynum!!! and not a single word about Ariza’s improvment? what a joke… eheheh!
JasonW Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 12:41 pm

not to mention:
Lakers 2-0 Celtics
Lakers 2-0 Cavs
steve Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 12:53 pm

hey mr lurker bob how stupis do u look. the east still have 7 teams fight for a playoff spot. and out of those 7 teams fighting for a playoff spot how many of those teams have a .500 or better record. ummmm none. how good is half of the east making the playoffs without a winning record. thats really makes the east look powerful. bottom line bob the east has 3 good team. the 9th best team in the west is much better than the 4 seed in the east. so what if the west has 6 bad teams. the east has all bad teams but 4. and its not so much that the east plays better defence its more the east doesnt have any real strong offencive teams.
THE CAVS HAVE A GOOD RECORD AGAINST THE WEST SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE SOO MANY EASY GAMES AGAINST THE EAST. THE CAVS DONT HAVE TO BANG WITH WITH BIG POWERFUL TEAMS IN THE WEST AS MUCH AS THE WEST TEAMS DO.
AND DONT LEAVE OUT THE FACT THAT THE CAVS DONT HAVE A GREAT RECORD AGAINST DIVISION LEADERS. GO CHECK THAT FACT OUT.
i still think the cavs are an excellent team and what lebron has done this year is nothing short of amazingbut im sick of hearing how he has no help and are the team to beat this year. the cavs have alot of very good players and anyone that knows anything would know that the team to beat is still the boston celtics. last time i checked they are the defending champs not cleveland.
if im a west team i hope cleveland makes it to the finals because as good as cleveland may be they cant knock off the lakers or spurs.
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March 29, 2009 @ 12:58 pm

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Lakerfan Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 1:00 pm

C’s are getting healthy now, still having a top 3 record while guys like KG, Allen, Rondo have exchanged time on the sideline. In my opinion, until they are knocked off, the defending champ is still the team to beat and I fear them the most with Bynum nowhere to be found.
MAximust Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 1:42 pm

I think I could have written that column myself Eddie I agree whit you 100%
Cleveland will enter the playoff healthy and whit momentum, Boston they all bang up…and without Garnett 100% there is somethings missing…it’s the intangible…and yes phoenix could bring definitely some problem to Lakers…they can’t guard Kobe but no one can’t guard O’neal aswell…and whit Shaq passing abilities, it could benefit the likes of Hill, Barnes, Barbosa, NAsh and Richardson and HOUSTON is going to be dangerous I predict that…they lost all hopes on Mcgrady but they have a the fire inside of them…hard nose defenders…plethora of talents and they start to picking up momentum….
Tom Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 2:19 pm

Kobe Only has Pau?? LeBron has a better supporting cast? The fact that Drew went down again and they still have the best record in the west (not to mention making the finals last year) says it all. Kobe’s team is stacked at every position.
Courtney Johnson Williams Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 4:39 pm

I LOVE MO WILLIAMS SO MUCH I WISH THAT WAS MY HUSBAND I WISH I WAS TO THE HOME GAMES EVERY NIGHT CHEERING ON MY BOO BOO WITH MY LONG PRETTY HAIR HANGING
michael Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 5:07 pm

just to start off im going to state that i am a laker fan, but a rare fan in that im realistic, yes the lakers are good, they are really good this year and way better than they were last year. that being said there is no one team that has that much a better shot than any of the other top teams, they can all win it. yes the lakers wen 4-0 against the celts and cavs, it was very promising so see them step up and win big games, kinda like the way boston stepped up in the finals last year to massacre the lakers after playing dismally throughout the playoffs before that. any one of the top teams can turn it up in those situations, it just happens to have been lakers during the REGULAR SEASON, which by the way means very little in the playoffs, just because they were able to prove they can win against big teams doesnt mean its guaranteed. sure they stepped up, the laker fans here forget to mention how inconsistent they have been throughout the whole season though, and so have the celts, the teams that have been the most consistent have been the cavs and, after their rocky start, the spurs. it all comes down too who is able to step it up when it really matters, the lakers have shown they can but their inconsistent play lately has brought about doubt, and if the celts core group of returning guys play the way they did against the lakers they are almost unbeatable, i really dont even know how the lakers were able to win 2 games. the cavs, lebron especially, are hungry, and he is obviously a player who rubs off on his teammates meaning he has the ability to raise his team up with him. and the spurs are just the spurs, they have won but their hunger has never even hiccuped, with a healthy manu and the role players they have they are always a legitimate threat to any team. i am a huge laker fan and i want more than anything for them to win, but looking at all the other teams that have a shot there is no way i can say that the lakers will win it. there is a legitimate argument for any of the top teams winning it just like they all have a legitimate chance.

Steve said:
“THE CAVS HAVE A GOOD RECORD AGAINST THE WEST SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE SOO MANY EASY GAMES AGAINST THE EAST. THE CAVS DONT HAVE TO BANG WITH WITH BIG POWERFUL TEAMS IN THE WEST AS MUCH AS THE WEST TEAMS DO.”

dude that makes no sense at all, the west may have better records when it comes to playoff teams but overall the east is better. the east are tough teams too and there isnt one side thats way easier than the other. theres no such thing as an easy game, if a team goes into a game with that mindset they will more than likely lose, and even if you dont and you go in with the mindset that youre supposed to have with all the talent in the NBA any team can win any game on any given night, look at how the clippers beat the celts. the celts didnt go in with the wrong mindset they were just outworked and outplayed. sure you can give many reasons the celts lost but bottom line is clips gutted it out and played a hard-fought game.
Jim Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 5:34 pm

Just got done watching the Lakers go around the floor in Atlanta trying to find their jocks. Just as I expected the Lakers are running out of gas at exactly the right time. Whomever comes out of the East may expect to play San Antonio. The Spurs are on the rise. The Lakers were at the very best today asleep. Goodluck to the Cavs on clinching the home court throughout the playoffs and destroying the Lakers first objective.
Michael Bennett Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 8:21 pm

bibifolk wrote:
“this afternoon, Cavs will loose against the Mavs, Lakers will capture best records again !
CAVS will not beat Boston in playoff, which is dangerous for LA, they have far more chances winning championship against Cavs than against Celtics”

Maybe the last part will come true like the first part did…

Bonehead.
Holla Bolla Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 9:22 pm

On Bynum: “Yes, the Lakers can boast of having some big bodies and a low-post game the Cavaliers lack, but that is only if Andrew Bynum can return from injury, which does not look good at the moment.”

Eddie, your 411 on Bynum is a joke. He’s running now and expects to be back by playoffs. He’ll be back. Will one of you clowns finally respect the 6-0 road trip earlier this year where LA beat Boston in Boston (sans Bynum) on the 2nd leg of a Back-to-Back…this was game 5 of the trip (gotta be tired, right?) oh..game 6 in Cleveland and LA gives Cavs their only home loss. Signature trip, all championship teams have tem (just like Boston did last year in Texas).

LA’s recent Texas 2-Step (In Houston, then SA) was also pretty impressive, especially after smack-down in Portland.

Lakers are terrified of Phoenix? Gimme a break.
adklajdsfj Said,

March 29, 2009 @ 11:55 pm

in the west, there are way too many contending teams. Yes, even though Lakers is the runaway leader in terms of the record, but let’s say if Dallas beat the Lakers, would it be a super shocker? it’ll be an upset, but it wouldn’t be so much of a shocker as Bobcats beat out Cavs or Chicago beat out Magic. That’s how deep the west is, anytime there can be an upset, because all 8 teams from the WC are dangerous. It’s actually quite pointless to say how good WC or EC is. It’s inconclusive at best, schedule is different and strategies are different. Just because Cavs are 25-4 against WC doesn’t mean that if they were put in the WC they’ll put out such ratio. I highly doubt that’ll be the case. If Cavs have to confront with Lakers, Spurs, Utah, Hornets, Rockets, Suns on daily basis, they’ll get really banged up. If Cavs r 0-2 against Lakers, imagine playing them FOUR times a year, and Spurs, Utah, Hornets, Rockets, Suns aren’t really walk in the park if you have to play all those teams on daily basis. Anyways, LeBron IS going to win the MVP this year by a big margin, but Cavs will have to come out of the EC first. All those talks about Cavs will beat Lakers, well, Lakers swept Cleveland this year, and is yet the only team capable of beating Cavs on their home floor. So.. you guys wanna bring out statistics, then that’s the statistics you’ll get. Not to mention that Lakers should have Bynum back by then, things will get a bit trickier when that happens.
CBI Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 2:03 am

All you laker homers who like to bang your 2-0 vs. the Cavs and Celtics drum better hope the Magic don’t make it to the finals because the lakers have gone 0-2 against them and your using your advanced deduction skills, the Lakers will then have no chance. That’s assuming the lakers can get past Utah who has also beaten them twice. Are any of you even aware that playoff series are seven games?

The lakers have lost to teams like the Clippers, Indiana, Sacramento, and Philadelphia. Use your brains, which is a bigger loss, when a great team loses to another great team or when a great team loses to a crappy team? Allow me to illustrate, which was bigger to USC’s nation championship hopes the win over OSU or the lost to Oregon State? If USC had lost to OSU and beat Oregon State, they’d be national champions now. Think before posting.
CBI Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 2:20 am

By the way, Kobe is hitting a cool 25% of his game winning shots. CLANG off the rim.

http://www.82games.com/gamewinningshots.htm

Check out how real clutch players like Lebron and ray Allen get it done.
robert Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 2:42 am

How ’bout some more stats for ya:

8 of 15 games Lakers lost were against EC teams.

Following your logic, adklajdsfj, LA would struggle to stay in top 5 if they played in east.

It’s pointless, so don’t even bother.
Bob Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 3:40 am

Hi Steve,

Have you even read my post? Apparently you’re too obsessed with a statistic that does not tell you anything about a team’s performance outside of its conference. How stupis do i look? Yeah, I’m looking really stupis compared to you, buddy.

I’ve got another example for you: Your mighty Lakers have just lost to the Hawks, making their record versus eastern conference teams drop even further, while the Cavs took care of the Mavs and improved their western conference record. I’m telling you straight up and I’ve got the numbers to back it up: The Cavaliers would have a better record in the west while the Lakers would have a worse record in the east; just look at their performance against the other conference. If you can’t understand what I’m trying to explain, then read what Michael says on the matter.

A much better reply is that one by adklajdsfj. He basically points out how statistics are just statistics and it’s tough predicting how the physicality of the west will impact the Cavaliers. That’s a valid point. For example, in 2007 the Warriors defeated the Mavericks during the first round of the playoffs, even though the Mavericks had by far the best winning percentage. That should tell you how little statistics mean. Still, the Mavericks were the better team from a league-wide perspective, just as the Cavaliers are now the better team compared to the Lakers. They might get sweeped in a head to head series, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Still, the Cavaliers are currently achieving a much better record versus the west than the Lakers do versus the east and there’s no real difference in strenght between the eastern and the western conference. Sure, in the west you have to play Lakers, Spurs, Utah, Hornets, Rockets and Suns at lot more often. But you get to play the Warriors, Timberwolves, Thunder, Grizzlies, Clippers and Kings a lot more often too.

If you don’t get that, try reading Michael’s post.
maque Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 4:19 am

Let us all just be witnesses on what will happen.
JasonW Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 4:53 am

@ Bob

“I’ve got another example for you: Your mighty Lakers have just lost to the Hawks”

So what? Your mighty Cavs have also lost to the Hawks…
(Sat, Dec 13) Cleveland 92-97 ATLANTA
What is your conclusion?

“while the Cavs took care of the Mavs”
Well, the Lakers took care of the Mavs 3 times!
What is your conclusion?

Also, FYI:
(Mon, Jan 19) Cleveland 88-105 LAKERS
(Sun, Feb 08) LAKERS 101-91 Claveland

On those games the mighty King shot 31% FG (14/45) while a guy named Bryant shot 44% (17/39)…
Wanna say anything else about Lakers vs East or Cavs vs West, buddy?
januko Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 7:18 am

For me, well just wait and see. Come playoffs time, teams would become different. IMHO, I don’t see the regular season W-L of teams or the regular season stats as factors in succeeding in the playoffs. Look at the Lakers last season, they were the favorites but, they lost. Yeah, we have LOTS of reasons why they lost. Can’t u just accept it? Well if u can’t, JUST SUCK IT UP!

Look at the Hawks last season, they were the sacrificial lambs for the mighty Celtics but what happened? They put the mighty Celtics down the wire! Game 7 folks! I know a lot would put some reasons why the Celtics were like this and why the Hawks are like that but, man! Can’t u just accept the outcome?

Too many excuses or reasons that both fans and writers make up why the favorite teams have those shortcomings. Why can’t they see the situation as it is? It is suppose to be that simple.

Anyway, Eddie’s article is right on! I think the Cavs have the potential to win the East. They have big bodies that can move and defend any type of offense and they have the best defense in the league right now. Offensively, LeBron being LeBron and I credit the coaching staff on just how effectively they utilize each player’s talent in ideal situations in offense.

The Cavs are a sure thing in the East if the Celtics cannot settle with injuries, I still believe KG is a big factor if he comes back 100%. Orlando, I think they cannot get through. They have no one to supplant Dwight down low in a form of a true power forward. Atlanta? they are for me a dark horse in the East. They are a tough team, real warriors that are not afraid to play anyone.

Down West, the Lakers’ big threat is the Spurs team. We cannot deny the Spurs even if Manu plays with one foot. The tough Jazz team is a potent team as well. I don’t know why but, I really have doubts with the Lakers in the playoffs. I have the Spurs leading the West. I am a Laker fan to be honest but, I am worried with Laker team. They have the same expections from last year and almost the same situation, Bynum is out with injury. Lakers rely heavily on Kobe and if he can’t deliver, Gasol will not be enough to carry the team and Odom? I don’t expect much from him because of his inconsistencies and the ability to fade during crucial time in tight games.

For me. well, this is just my own prediction, I see Cavs vs Spurs in the Finals if KG is not 100%. Celtics vs Spurs otherwise.
Chris Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 9:59 am

This is to Jason W

I find it funny that you forget to mention that the lowly Cavaliers swept the Lakers 2 years in a row until this season. Ask the Boston Celtics about Lebron shooting 31% last year in the playoffs in two games. Do you really think he is going to just struggle playing like that all series against the Lakers?
Daniel Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 10:25 am

What is it I read that Steve said!? That Cleveland wouldn’t have the best record, if they played in the west. What nonsence is that? Why does that matter? They have 60 wins, the most in the NBA, please tell me why they woudn’t have had 60 wins playing in the west? They still meet with the same teams on a regular basis. And they beat every west team! So it doesn’t matter!
EddieJohnsonLies? Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 10:50 am

I know that everyone has their opinion but that’s a bit too far isn’t it, Eddie? Best team? Maybe. But Lebron James as the greatest player ever? Then you’re lost. I think the only way he can be one of the greatest if he shoots better than a mediocre 32% behind the arc. His 47% field goal shooting all came from his drive to the baskets/dunks.

I agree that Cleveland is a great team but I also agree that with them in the West they won’t have the same ratio they have now. In the Eastern Conference there’s really only 5 contending teams. Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami. The rest aren’t as good. But look at the Western Conference all of the 8 spots are dangerous as “adklajdsfj” said.
Joe Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 11:47 am

It’s very generous of you to call Z an all-star player at this stage in his career… but that’s alright, I like Z too. Anyway I’m surprised at how good the Cavs have been this year, because on paper I think their supporting cast is pretty weak. But their defense is great, and the role players have played smart and done what they are supposed to do on the offensive end (with a lot of help from Lebron).

I’m predicting that the Pistons will knock off the Magic in the 1st round, because they have owned them for years (including this season, where they are 3-0 vs Orlando). I could see the Lakers getting knocked out in the 1st round by Dallas, or in the 2nd by Portland or Denver. There’s so many good teams out west, and the Lakers still seem soft compared to a team like San Antonio. Last year was just a fluke. The finals this year will be Cavs vs Spurs, a series which could go either way.
JasonW Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 11:56 am

@Chris

“I find it funny that you forget to mention that the lowly Cavaliers swept the Lakers 2 years in a row until this season.”

Who cares about the last two years? We were/are talking about this year! 2 years ago the mighty King got swept in the Finals! so don’t even bring that up…

“Do you really think he is going to just struggle playing like that all series against the Lakers?”

Struggling or not there is no way the Cavs beat the Lakers (even without Bynum) in a 7 games series… with or without home court advantage!
JasonW Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 12:02 pm

@Joe

“I could see the Lakers getting knocked out in the 1st round by Dallas”

Dallas… really??? What a joke!!!
Michael Bennett Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 12:35 pm

If the Cavs meet the Lakers in the Finals, the Cavs will be victorious.

Why?

LeBron is better than Kobe.
JasonW Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 12:40 pm

“LeBron is better than Kobe”

He is yet to show it…
T Dot boi Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 12:41 pm

LeBron n da Cavs r doin big dis year … buh dere not betta dan da Lakers….LA juss has a better team, n dey beat da Cavs wice dis year n wen Bynum comes bak its a wrap…n whose gonna stop Black Mamba (Kobe Bryany)…LA ALL DA WAY
eddie Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 1:25 pm

Marlon Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Eddie Johnson has always been a LAKER-Hater!

oh really, Magic is a very good friend and i have always stated that he not Michael is the greatest ever. so not true. ——i have also praised Kobe to no end. i think he is the prime example of what a basketball player should be.

i just think his support group will let him down again. you are just a Suns-Hater —next time give me some substance——we debate in here.

Steve stop screaming with your caps on. i didnt even read it.
eddie Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 1:30 pm

Holla Bolla Said,
March 29, 2009 @ 9:22 pm

On Bynum: “Yes, the Lakers can boast of having some big bodies and a low-post game the Cavaliers lack, but that is only if Andrew Bynum can return from injury, which does not look good at the moment.”

Eddie, your 411 on Bynum is a joke. He’s running now and expects to be back by playoffs. He’ll be back. Will one of you clowns finally respect the 6-0 road trip earlier this year where LA beat Boston in Boston (sans Bynum) on the 2nd leg of a Back-to-Back…this was game 5 of the trip (gotta be tired, right?) oh..game 6 in Cleveland and LA gives Cavs their only home loss. Signature trip, all championship teams have tem (just like Boston did last year in Texas).

LA’s recent Texas 2-Step (In Houston, then SA) was also pretty impressive, especially after smack-down in Portland.

Lakers are terrified of Phoenix? Gimme a break.

—-Hey i can run too. running and playing are two different things. remember last year with the same scenario.

I did not say the Lakers will lose to the Suns, but they would wear them down thus enhancing Clevelands chances.

read next time and understand before you write
eddie Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 1:33 pm

EddieJohnsonLies? Said,
March 30, 2009 @ 10:50 am

I know that everyone has their opinion but that’s a bit too far isn’t it, Eddie? Best team? Maybe. But Lebron James as the greatest player ever? Then you’re lost. I think the only way he can be one of the greatest if he shoots better than a mediocre 32% behind the arc. His 47% field goal shooting all came from his drive to the baskets/dunks.

I agree that Cleveland is a great team but I also agree that with them in the West they won’t have the same ratio they have now. In the Eastern Conference there’s really only 5 contending teams. Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami. The rest aren’t as good. But look at the Western Conference all of the 8 spots are dangerous as “adklajdsfj” said.

——–moron just react to the article and come up with your own name.
Craig Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 1:44 pm

ALL OF U THAT SAY IF THE CAVS WERE IN THE WEST THEY WOULD HAVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF WINS IS CRAZY…. U PLAY TEAMS IN UR CONFERENCE 3-4 TIMES AND THE OTHER CONFERENCE TWICE… U KNOW WAT THAT MEANS… MORE GAMES AGAINST A MUCH DEEPER WESTERN CONFERENCE. I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THEY WOULD HAVE AS MANY WINS. AND WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAKERS… U ALL NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO TRENDS OF THE LAKERS WHEN COACHED BY PHIL JACKSON. EVEN BACK WHEN THEY WON 3 IN A ROW DURING THOSE SEASONS THEY LOST TO WACK TEAMS… IT HAPPENS, DOESNT MEAN UR DOOMED TO BE PUT OUT THE PLAYOFFS. POINT BLANK THEY LOSE INTEREST AGAINST THE LESSER TEAMS… ITS HUMAN NATURE GET OVER IT. IT JUS SEEMS THE HATERZ TAKE ANY AMMUNITION THEY CAN FIND. BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THE CAVS ARE NOT A LOCK TO GO TO THE FINALS AND NEITHER ARE THE LAKERS… ITS COOL TO MAKE PREDICTIONS BUT U ALSO HAVE TO BE REAL AND OBJECTIVE. NONE OF THESE B.S STATS FROM LAST YEAR.

LETS LOOK @ WHY THE LAKERS WILL BEAT THE CAVS.

PHIL JACKSON HAS THE PERFECT GAME PLAN TO SLOW DOWN MR. JAMES. ITS CALLED FORCING HIM TO SHOOT JUMPERS HIS BIGGEST WEAKNESS.

THIS IS AN IF B CUZ WHO KNOW WHICH ODOM WILL SHOW UP BUT IF LAMAR BALLS THEN THE CAVS DONT HAVE AN ANSWER FOR HIM.

BIG Z IS GOOD BUT @ THIS POINT IN HIS CAREER AFTER ALL THE FOOT INJURIES HE CANT GO BIG MINUTES WITH PAU GASOL.

IF ANDREW IS BACK OMG DO I NEED TO SAY ANYTHING ELSE.

AND LETS SAY PRINCE JAMES DOES GO OFF… U REALLY THINK KOBE’S EGO AND COMPETITIVENESS WILL ALLOW THAT TO GO UNANSWERED. JUS GO WATCH WAT HAPPENED WHEN THE LAKERS PLAYED THE ROCKETS AND MR RON ARTEST WOKE KOBE UP…. UR ASKING FOR TROUBLE AND LETS BE REAL IF ITS LEBRON VS. KOBE. LEBRON CANT SCORE WIT KOBE. ESPECIALLY WITH KOBE GUARDING HIM.
LC Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 3:54 pm

Big Z couls still be an allstar. He just doesn’t get the touches he once did. The same can be said for many players around the league. Look at Shaq. Give them more shots and they will put up more points.
HoopsDogg Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 4:27 pm

You know who’s going to win the NBA championship? The team that wins 16 games. So much can happen between now and then, that it’s silly to get that worked up about it. In fact, any number of upsets can happen. I think that the Bulls will give whomever they play in the first round no end of fits. I think one injury to any top tier team could turn the tide against that team.

Three things the Cavs have going for them:
Deepest front court in the league: No less than 4 quality players that can start at center, 6 players that can play power forward, and the most hulking small forward in the league.

4 Quality three point shooters: Mo, Boobie, Sasha, and Wally, plus LeBron and Z who are serviceable out there (and when LeBron gets hot out there watch out — his post all star break 3% is not shabby).

The best defense in the league. They have a very opportunistic defense that is fundamentally sound. They don’t turn the ball over a lot, and they rebound well.

Three Cavs Problems
Undersized backcourt: Their top 3 rotation of Williams, West, and Boobie is not taller than 6′3″. Additionally, Wally is not the most atheletic, nor the greatest defender at 2 guard off the bench. Pavlovich is serviceable on defense, but foul prone. Big scoring guards who can post up and distribute give the Cavs fits; VC, Wade, Kobe, Ron-Ron, Pierce, Roy, etc. If you move LeBron over to guard one of these guys, you usually have a front-court matchup problem at SF. This is why the Lakers are such a problem. All their guards are big.

Post defense: The Celtics have figured out that if you just keep posting the Cavs up, they get frustrated. The Cavs defense is designed to stop the pick and roll. They don’t always defend the post as well as they should, and like to double team when things aren’t working. Additionally, because their back-court is so small, they don’t pressure post entry passes well from the guard spot. (They try to overcome this by fronting, and letting LeBron play safety sometimes). Teams that post up patiently, and have multiple post players on the floor can get high percentage shots against them. Fortunately, there are not that many teams that do this well, (except the Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, and Rockets).

Coaching: Mike Brown has made tremendous strides as a coach, but sometimes he doesn’t make in-game adjustments as quickly as he should. He has a hard time changing gears in a game that isn’t going his way. They adjust well between games, and sometimes at half-time, but he doesn’t do little things sometimes. He doesn’t go offense/defense when he should, and sometimes double teams too much.

Bottom line: Cavs can overcome these deficiencies because of their depth and the fact that they have the most versatile player in the league. The question is will they? Health and home field will come in to play a lot in the playoffs.
Holla Bolla Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 6:52 pm

Eddie Said:
—-Hey i can run too. running and playing are two different things. remember last year with the same scenario.

I did not say the Lakers will lose to the Suns, but they would wear them down thus enhancing Clevelands chances.

read next time and understand before you write

Eddie,

I can read..can you?

You said Bynum’s return doesnt look good…that is garbage. You have nothing to back that up unless your source is a ignorant Spurs fan. Everything out of LA has him coming back. Last year was different…he had surgery.

Any response to the signature 6-0 road trip?
aldkjaksfajf Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 8:05 pm

no point of mentioning Lakers’ losses to bad teams, Cavs have lost to Wizards as well. There will always be mental lapse for the long season.
Michael Bennett Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 9:22 pm

HoopsDogg - I like your assessment of the Cavs. I think you’ve got a really good understanding of the team.

I disagree, though, with what you said about Mike Brown. I’ve been tough on Coach Brown for the last few years because of his stale offense and some of what you wrote about.

But, this year, he’s been consistent in his coaching. You wrote that “…sometimes he doesn’t make in-game adjustments as quickly as he should. He has a hard time changing gears in a game that isn’t going his way.” The last game versus Dallas was proof of the opposite. The Cavs were down 15 at one point, and they locked down on defense and went on a tear from the second half of Period 2 until the end of the game.

Mike Brown will win Coach of the Year… and he deserves it. He’s got that team running on all cylinders. And, his rotations and feel for within the game are the league’s best. 60+ wins supports my thoughts.
Dany Said,

March 30, 2009 @ 11:53 pm

Althought I dont disagree that the cavs are the team 2 beat. I dont agree either. Celtics are still the Champs therefore they are the team 2 beat theoretically. Also, The plethora of big men they have IS great, but no where near better then Orlando’s. I dont really have 2 say ne 1 besides Dwight, but Tony Battie is a great back up and so is Gortat (not gonna try spelling his first name). and they dont have better 3 point shooters then Orlando either. the thing they do have is experience.
Im not an orlando fan. ima Portland fan, just saying
eddie Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 12:24 am

Holla Bolla Said,
March 30, 2009 @ 6:52 pm

Eddie Said:
—-Hey i can run too. running and playing are two different things. remember last year with the same scenario.

I did not say the Lakers will lose to the Suns, but they would wear them down thus enhancing Clevelands chances.

read next time and understand before you write

Eddie,

I can read..can you?

You said Bynum’s return doesnt look good…that is garbage. You have nothing to back that up unless your source is a ignorant Spurs fan. Everything out of LA has him coming back. Last year was different…he had surgery.

Any response to the signature 6-0 road trip?

—- Here is my proof sir. he is not back in uniform and the season will be over in two weeks. you want more proof—-ok —- he has not started practicing yet and the season is over in two weeks——you want more proof—-he has missed two months and it will take him a month to get back in game shape to compete in the playoffs, this is not the YMCA. ———you want more proof——we heard the same story last year and he never came back.—-if he comes back now he will not be 100 percent and the Lakers will not take a chance.—-so now we are looking at him maybe being available for a finals, but what guarantees they will be there=——if that proof enough

who cares about a 6-0 road trip a month ago—-i picked Cleveland and now you must wait and see.
john marshall Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 2:52 am

nice reply you win(as if you had not figured it out). I just want to say one thing will probably not be back on here for responses so respond to the room not me personally. Lebron James does not need a bunch of rings to go down as all time great. He only needs a bunch to go down as all time great. I do not think he will need that many either. He is very young and very dominant when he 30 Kobe will almost done unless he sticks around or try to come back like Jordan which was a big mistake. I am a strong believer on you be remember on how you go out many athletes make this mistake. Roy Jones which is hard to say because I am from Pensacola. Thats just one of many there are a few exceptions Ali and Jordan are the biggest but hopefully Lebron and Kobe can learn from this go out on top. I also am a believer in not trying to compare players as the game evolves so I hate talking about Jordan but unfortunately everyone hung up on it. Lastly it is useless to argue with most Lakers fans waste of time. Laker sfans should be praising Shaq instead of Kobe because if Shaq was not there Laker would not have won and I imagine would have broke down and ask to be traded and bad mouthed his team liek he did when Shaq left.
J.Anthony Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 3:08 am

Haha pic of Hasheem Thabeet next to topic headline “The team to beat”
Bob Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 4:53 am

@ JasonW (& Steve)

“Wanna say anything else about Lakers vs East or Cavs vs West, buddy?”

No, I think I said it all. I do have something else to say, though. How about… Learn to read, Jason. You’re ripping some of my examples out of context in an attempt to take down a point I didn’t even made.

I’m not arguing that one team is better than another. I’m simply stating that the east is not a weaker conference than the west, and I give some examples about how their best teams perform against the opposing conference.

That said, I think I made my point and I’m not going to waste any more of my time answering people who can’t read. Everbody’s entitled to their own interpretation of a text, but your interpretation of my post has more to do with your love for the Lakers than with my point.

I’d also like to apologise to all other Lakers fans who are now crying in frustration because there’s some guy in Europe who said that the Cavaliers have a much better record than the Lakers if you look at each of their performances against the opposing conference. I never meant to hurt your feelings, but you guys apparently are a bit hypersensitive for anybody who gives any indication that he or she believes that the Lakers might not be the best team in the league. Seriously, Jason and Steven, are you guys fourteen years old?

I’ll go back to lurking now. Thanks to everyone (e.g. Michael Bennet) who actually took the time to read what I had to write about this.
boule Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 6:28 am

Eddie your articles regularly make me doubt hoopshype.com. seriously, you shoud stop writing articles in order to stirr controversy, it’s annoying.

Plus, if the Cavs have such a superior supporting cast, how come LeBron is considered MVP frontrunner ahead of clearly the best basketball player on this planet, kobe bryant?
Michael Bennett Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 8:12 am

boule - I’ll answer your question.

LeBron James is considered front runner for MVP over Kobe Bryant because he has better statistics AND his team has a better record AND because LeBron is a better player.

And, just to let you know… Eddie’s articles about the NBA are THE best on the internet and in publication. That’s fact. And, you’re lucky that he responds… especially to amateurs like you. Name another so-called sports writer who has this much insight into the NBA. AND is this involved in seeing the argument through. You can’t name another.
Holla Bolla Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 9:16 am

Eddie,

Love your responses man.

The 6-0 Road Trip does matter, because soft teams don’t do that. Soft teams dont have the best ROAD record in the league. Soft teams don’t win without their big man. They were 5-0 after an emotional and exhausting win in Beantown..ending another Celt streak. Soft Teams dont pull together and win that 6th game…and in Cleveland none-the-less, ending another streak. Better yet, both Boston & Cleveland came to play after losing to LA at Staples. Poitn–The squad is battle-tested and last year’s finals run sans Bynum was an important experience. It’s not like the 6-0 trip was a fluke, they have won more on the Road then any other team…but it seems to get thrown under the rug just so the “soft” argument can be used. It’s a joke.

Bynum is projected back in Round 1. Say Lakers make it to the finals, it will likely take about 17-20 games. Pretty good work to get back in rhythm..and the bench will immediatley be stronger.

Finally Eddie..Check out Bynum’s Knee on this link. Was he doing this last year? No.

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/for_the_record/posts/59821-bynums-knee-survives-playboy-mansion-workout?eref=fromSI/a%3E
boule Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 9:25 am

how’s him being the best sports writer a fact? facts have to be proven as far as i know and apart from that us-media landscape is driven mostly by commercial interest and not quality anyway. but that’s a different story. i have to admit that hoopshype.com is a way better read than say BSPN, but with eddie’s articles most of the time it feels like he just makes up an article out of sympathy for a certain person / team or in order to (as i already said) stirr controversy by picking out stats and incidents that seem to suit his string of argumentation while clearly ignoring other, more important facts. that’s not to take anything away of his insight or anything but too often have i found myself thinking “dude’s gotta be kidding…” just having played in the nba in the past doesn’t make a good sports writer…
i appreciate his insight and dedication, but i would just want to read more unbiased, fact-based articles, which i’m sure he is capable of writing.

coming back to the mvp argument: common opinion has been that lebron would win because he was on the weaker team while having the best record. while you may think of lebron as the better player compared to kobe bryant, 99% of people in their right mind would certainly and rightfully disagree. there’s just no way of denial. now if you follow eddie as you seemingly like to do, lebron suddenly also has the strongest supporting cast (and a better frontcourt… pfffffffffffft) than the lakers. well, then tell me, why in hell would the worse player on a stronger team of two teams with a similar record win the mvp? that’s just stupid. and for the stats argument: kobe once averaged 35 ppg and didn’t win it and rightfully so. i’m not a great kobe bryant fan, but this story is bs.
JasonW Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 9:36 am

@Bob

“I’m simply stating that the east is not a weaker conference than the west”

Yes it is!
Phoenix (40-34) that would be fighting for home court advantage in the East won’t even make the playoffs in the West…
Detroit and Chicago will probably make it to the playoffs with loosing records! Is this a sign of a strong conference?

That being said, I acknowledge that the top teams in the East (Boston/Cleveland/Orlando) are as good as any other top team in the West.

“I’d also like to apologise to all other Lakers fans who are now crying in frustration (…) Seriously, Jason and Steven, are you guys fourteen years old?”

Here is where I stop reading & respecting you.
Slim Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 10:00 am

They both have about the same supporting cast, but I like Kobe in a seven game series with everything on the line.
David Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 10:04 am

Michael B…I agree with your assessment of coach of the year. He trained under Pop.
Slim Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 10:15 am

I wonder how many teams with winning records the Cavs played this year, and how many the Lakers faced? 5 other winning teams in the East, 8 other winning teams in the West.

Regardless, matchups, timing, and health are all far more important factors in the playoffs.
Rain Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 11:36 am

Journalists, sports writers, media, etc. are all the same. Bunch of biased pussies.
frank B Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 11:52 am

Didn’t have a chance to read your prediction until today. Last year you wrote another silly article about how foreign players don’t have the love of the championship enough and that was why Boston won.

How about breaking down your predictions for this using that same logic again?

Well, your Cavaliers are doomed. They have two foreign players and they are both crucial to the effort, Varajao and Ilgauskas.

The Lakers are hopeless with four foreign players, Gasol, Mbenga, Yue, and Vujucic.

It looks like Boston is a lock using Eddielogic!

By the way, if Phoenix sneeks into the playoffs (very low probability) the Lakers are going to sweep them!
B-Ball Knowledge Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

Lakers beat the Cavs, the Cavs beat the Celts and the Celts would beat the Lakers.

It’s all about match-ups, and there are certain elements that each one of those teams have that the other doesn’t, and depending on the match-up they may have more or less adjustments to make.

Personally I think the Spurs would’ve been a terrible match up for the Celts last year, but the Lakers were the same for the Spurs, hence the beat down in the Western Conference Finals.

I don’t think anyone can lay claim to being the ultimate top dog this year, but the Cavs are the team I would put a small amount of chump change on…..and I”m a Laker fan to the core.

The Cavs have the best defence in the league considering all the nicks, bruises and limps the Celts have had lately. They have this years league MVP (Kobester would probably grudgingly concede that as well), and they have the 3pt shooters to foil any plan to pack the paint against Lebron. The move to pick up Mo Williams was HUGE, but the other moves over the past couple seasons (Delonte, Big Ben, Joe Smith, Wally Alphabet) have just made this a 10 man rotation that has few holes.

Their only problem is that the Lakers found ways to beat them this year, and psychologically that could give the Lakeshow the confidence they need to remain focused in those close games.

Orlando is looking good, but they’re just not ready. They seem to be missing something, and I think it’s consistency at that SG position. Pietris is a vet, but I would sooner trust Lee in the 4th qtr. Pietris’ ticker isn’t always wound up.

Bos-tone?…. They needed to keep Posey at all costs! I like the Mikki Moore move, and Steph is bound to score 10pts in a 3 minute span against someone, and help win a game. But them injuries are too much to ignore.

Spurs?….. They’re gonna be there, but is a 1st round match-up against Chris Paul (and James Posey) really something to look forward too?… Monsieur Parker says “non”!

Now if only we knew if the Piston’s have a plan to put it all together in the next 2 weeks!
Nelson Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 1:32 pm

@jason w

these people just dont get and eddie is a joke to begin with!

Lakers have the best road record!
Ended Celtics winning streak twice to make it a sweep!
Ended Cavs Home Winning Streak even if they have the best home record in result was a sweep!
so Clearly winning on the road is not a problem!
No bynum No problem!

I just hope Eddie and (who ever thinks the lakers aren’t going to win this year) come back and post a blog about how wrong they were!
eddie Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 3:17 pm

boule Said,
March 31, 2009 @ 6:28 am

Eddie your articles regularly make me doubt hoopshype.com. seriously, you shoud stop writing articles in order to stirr controversy, it’s annoying.

Plus, if the Cavs have such a superior supporting cast, how come LeBron is considered MVP frontrunner ahead of clearly the best basketball player on this planet, kobe bryant?

—-i will just write every article about the Lakers and maybe you will like me then? give me a break Laker fan it is not all about you and the Lakers. i write articles about every team—i will alert you when i write one about the lakers ok (-:— by the way i assume anything anti lakers is controversey correct?
eddie Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 3:20 pm

Holla Bolla Said,
March 31, 2009 @ 9:16 am

Eddie,

Love your responses man.

The 6-0 Road Trip does matter, because soft teams don’t do that. Soft teams dont have the best ROAD record in the league. Soft teams don’t win without their big man. They were 5-0 after an emotional and exhausting win in Beantown..ending another Celt streak. Soft Teams dont pull together and win that 6th game…and in Cleveland none-the-less, ending another streak. Better yet, both Boston & Cleveland came to play after losing to LA at Staples. Poitn–The squad is battle-tested and last year’s finals run sans Bynum was an important experience. It’s not like the 6-0 trip was a fluke, they have won more on the Road then any other team…but it seems to get thrown under the rug just so the “soft” argument can be used. It’s a joke.

Bynum is projected back in Round 1. Say Lakers make it to the finals, it will likely take about 17-20 games. Pretty good work to get back in rhythm..and the bench will immediatley be stronger.

Finally Eddie..Check out Bynum’s Knee on this link. Was he doing this last year? No.

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/for_the_record/posts/59821-bynums-knee-survives-playboy-mansion-workout?eref=fromSI/a%3E

—when did i say the Lakers were soft? hmmmm that must be your opinion. i said without Bynum they will get pounded. i Hope Bynum comes back and i hope the Lakers make it to the finals and thats a fact.
eddie Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 3:25 pm

boule

sorry you have a problem with debating which seems quite weird when you are doing exactly that.

duh—get with it man. nothing i write in here other than a feel good story would get 100 percent agreement. thats not my purpose. my purpose is exactly what you are doing.

so enjoy Laker fan
David Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 6:50 pm

Eddie, I think it’s funny how the Laker fans have already annointed themselves Western Conference champs and are worried about which team to play in the East.. They are a great team, but this is the NBA, where anything can happen. Just ask the Mavs from a couple of years ago.
michael Said,

March 31, 2009 @ 10:38 pm

@bob

youre right with what you said, it completely untrue that the west is way better, the two conferences are close but east does have the advantage. the main reason some people cant see that is because they think that better records=better team. not always true. how many lakers fans have actually watched a game between eastern conference teams? couple nights ago toronto v. chicago, went into over time, both of those teams are actually, despite their record, pretty damn good. theyre inconsistent and have had other hardships to face over the season but they deserve recognition as solid teams, not quite contenders but at least better than their record shows. look at charlotte, how much better have they gotten since the trade of jason richardson? they just beat the lakers again tonight because their defense and offense are both solid and larry brown has the team playing way better than their record suggests. i think youre doing the right thing bob in going back to lurking haha im a laker fan but im at least open minded, youre not going to succeed in convincing anyone of my fellow laker fans.
JasonW Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 3:44 am

@michael
“they think that better records=better team. not always true”

so, we are gonna see the Clippers & the Wizards in The Finals…

“couple nights ago toronto v. chicago, went into over time, both of those teams are actually, despite their record, pretty damn good”

Well, Chicago has played well lately… but Toronto??? really??? c’mon…
boule Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 11:31 am

i’m a knicks fan… that won’t help my credibility i know, but anyway. dude, i didn’t mean to insult you and i apreciate your replies and all. it’s just as i said, often i think you can’t be serious with what you’re writing. the mvp example was just a strinking example for contradiction in a couple of the articles i read here.

it’s the same with many other debates. in one article ilgauskas is a borderline allstar, in another the argument of him being injury prone is more useful, so people argue that direction. fact is he is good but injury prone. you use that argument against bynum and garnett, so please go ahead and apply it to ilgauskas as well! fact also is that ben wallace and jj hickson are garbage and joe smith, while i always loved his game and feel he is underrated, is not the difference maker you made him look like he was in this article. you name hickson, why don’t you at least mention josh powell’s name…?
it’s always just about generating some debat and with some of your articles i felt like you could have done a better job of getting your facts straight…

to me it looks like this:

as long as they’re not dethroned, the celtics are a force and the team to beat (the cavs are 1-2 in the season series against boston). the lakers are a close second with what they have achieved without their big man out. name another team that can play at that level without their starting center..! as for cleveland… as long as lebron doesn’t show that he can play consistently in big games, the cavs are going nowhere! he hasn’t done that this season, in two games against the lakers he is averaging 19 ppg on 31% shooting. in two losses against the celtics he is averaging 21 ppg, 8 shy of his season average, while in all fairness handing in an impressive performance in the single win the cavs had vs boston. he also struggled in two tough matchups vs houston, a nice measuring stick for wing players, which the teams split.

with that said, the cavs are my favorite to be upset in the playoffs and no way are they the team to beat. and that is fact based conclusion.
Chris Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 12:20 pm

Cleveland is never respected. Cavs fans don’t listen to these haters on here trying to bring you down. They are just jealous they don’t have Lebron. The guy is the MVP and has done things not even MJ has done (2,000+ points, 500+ Rebounds, 500+ assists in 4 seasons). They elevate their game to a new level in the playoffs and have lost 1 game at home all season. The Cavs aren’t even 100% healthy and they are still the best team in the league. So throw out the arguements that other teams aren’t healthy either and they’ll be better at full strength. Well so will the Cavs. Lebron wins the season MVP, Finals MVP, and bring back the Championship to Cleveland and announces he signs an extension thus not getting the full amount he is worth allowing the Cavs to bring in another superstar.

Haters chew on that. Kobe will never win another Championship. He needed Shaq. He is Robin, not Batman. Lebron is Batman, Robin, Superman, Spiderman, and every other super hero rolled in to one.
Keith Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 1:31 pm

I watch a ridiculous amount of basketball, and this year I’d say I’ve watched about 50-55 Cavaliers games. Let me sum up the Cavaliers this way:

—best defensive team (in 30 years of watching the NBA I have never seen a team that rotates on defense like they do. Watch their games - their are almost no open shots ever for the opposing team - even in garbage time!)

—best player - LeBron James. James is clearly the best player in the league right now. There’s a tier just below with Kobe, Wade, Duncan, Paul, and Howard, but LeBron is even above these guys. After the Cavaliers win the championship, only then will people really look back and marvel at the year LeBron had. I was just going to put ‘best offensive player’ but LeBron has been a beast on defense too. For Kobe lovers - Lebron is better than Kobe in almost every indivdual statistical category, and his team has more wins. You have to remember that while Kobe is still special, he’s declined a bit from Kobe of 3 years ago - not quite the same guy - while LeBron has gotten better.

—unbeatable at home - Cavs are probably going to tie the Celtics all-time record of 40-1 at home. Who is going to beat a team like this, the best defensive team with the best offensive force 4 out of 7 times? Even if you get lucky enough to win one at the Q, then you have to sweep them at home. If you lose at home, then you have to win 2 at the Q, which is NOT happening.

—one of best three point shooting teams - West, Williams, and Gibson are all deadly and have absolutely no conscience. Pavlovic and James are also a threat from outside, and oh yeah, I mentioned 5 guys before I got to Wally Szcerbiak, who is only one of the best 3 point shooters in the history of the NBA

— completely unselfish - this comes from LeBron and filters down thru the whole team. I’ve never seen anyone complain and no one care who scores.

—ultra competitive - this is most obvious sometimes in the third or even fourth quarter - they’ll be up by like 15, totally in command, and then a rebound will get away from someone and the other team will get a bunny hoop, and guys like Varejao and LeBron are just f’ing pissed they didn’t get a stop. They take every made basket by the other team as an insult

—posied/unflappable - I’m sure they get confidence from having hte best player, but I have never seen them panic. There’s 4 great examples this year of where they dug a hole, and then just systematcially clawed there way back up and then demoralized the other team and won the game, Terminator style - against Wizards on Christmas (down 7 wtih 2 min. left), Dallas last weekend (down 15 in 2nd quarter), and the two road games a couple weeks ago against Sacramento and the Clippers, where they were down by at least 15 in the 4th quarter and won anyway. They have started to get into team’s heads - no one ever feels comfortable with a lead, it’s like teams can hear the Jaws music and are just waiting to get eaten. Also, I’ve never seen anyone make a bad paly because they have the jitters, like you sometimes see at the end of a close game. maybe Hickson and jackson on occasion, but they are rookies and they don’t paly a whole lot.

–team chemistry - these guys do everything together, and jsut love each other. There’s not one malcontent, por one guy putting his interests above the team

—versatility - the Cavs are great in the halfcourrt, but they can also run (LeBron is probably the best finisher on the break in the whole league). They can play big or small - sometimes they play a deadly small lineup with varejao at center, Lebron at 4, and 3 shooters spread out (usually Gibson, Williams, and West), so there’s no way to defend this since Lebron is a great passer, and you can’t really take advantage of the smaller lineup at the other end because James and Varejao are so great on defense. They have big guys with all different skills - Ilgauskas - great on offense and can hit jumpers, Smith consummate professional who is never in the wrong place and gives energy and can hit if open, Varejao - fantastic on defense, gets under other players skin and gets them distracted, brings energy, Hicksopn/Jackson - youth and athleticism, Wallace - defense, reounding, and energy. I’m amazed at how many guys i’ve seen try to injure Varejao, and he’s not even being a dirty player. He’s just always around, very annoying, and he’s very active. It’s very frustrating. I think Kenyon Martin tried to forearm shiver him in BOTH Denver games this year, only to get whistled for a teach each time and ejected once. Rasheed Wallace looks like he might yank his own head off and throw it at Varejao.

—fan support - they sell out every game, and they are rabid - the fans in Cleveland are starved for a champion, not having had one in any sport since 1964.

–confidence - espeically with the new lineup. Cleveland is 13-1 since they got Joe Smith, and they are 17-1 since Wallace broek his leg and they put Varejao in as the starting 4. Everyone knows their role right now and is doing what they are supposed to do

–depth - Pavlovic was starting two years ago when the Cavs made the finals, and now he’s lucky to get 15 minutes. They have a bench full of veterans and former all-stars who can still play and conribute (Smith, Wallace, Szczerbiak). So the 9 man rotation is Williams, West, James, Varejao, Ilgauskas starting with Gibson, Szczerbiak, Wallace, and Smith off the bench, with Pavlovic and Kinsey also able to contribute at the swing positions and JJ Hickson (first round pick!) as your freaking 12th guy, who plays in case of emergency (i.e. Smith or Wallace gets injured). The cavs survived injuries to 3 starters for 15 games or more and all these bench guys got minutes and no one missed a beat.

Also the Cavs are 25-4 against the West, so it’s not like they have been beating up the sisters of the poor. They’ve only lost 13 games overall - 2 of which were in the first week before they figured out exactly what they were doing and one was at the buzzer in Indiana. they’ve played 296 quarters of basketball, and I think I have seen them look bad for maybe 7 or 8.

The Lakesr (assuming they get thru the West which boasts tough contenders in San Antonio, Utah, and New Orleans) are the only real challenge, but Cleveland should have the advantage over them and should be able to take them out to win the 2009 champiponship. Then the league really has to look out - the Cavs are set up well for the next 5-6 years, assuming they sign LeBron (which they will)

check it out:
2009- lose Eric Snow/Szcerbiak - save 20 mil - resign szczerbiak cheaper, give varejao a raise, add 1st round pick
2010 - lose Wallace - save 16 million. Ilgauskas expires - he will give hometown discount, so his salary drop fro 12 mil to maybe 5. LeBron gets resigned. Extend Hickson, get antoher 1st round pick

Willaims, West and Gibson are all signed for 4 more years. I wouldnt’ be surprised if they win 3 of the next 5 titles, at least. Who’s going to challenge? The only up and omers in the East, title ready, are Orlando (because of Howard - but they have to retain Turkoglu) and Miami (because of Wade). New Orleans, Utah, and Portland are the up and comers in the West. Maybe Oklahoma City in like 2 years, if they can learn some defense. Did I forget anyone? You hae to have a stud to win a championship, and I already covered Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy, Dwight Howard, and Dwyane Wade. I think once the Cavs get the first, the window really oens up wide for them, and I see it starting this year.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 1:57 pm

boule - Cleveland is the team to beat because they’re the best team with the best record with the best player in the NBA.

You wrote (in one of your driveling paragraphs): “name another team that can play at that level without their starting center..! as for cleveland…” CLEVELAND can play without Z. They were 9-4 without him in January. That was with Anderson Varejao and Ben Wallace as your starting 4 and 5. That’s basically ZERO offense from those spots, but they were still winning 70% of their games.

Why? LeBron James.

LeBron is the best player in the League. Deal with it.
eddie Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 2:21 pm

Boule

Are you telling me Dwayne Wade will not get alot of votes for MVP? Why is that so out of touch for you my man? Did you think Steve Nash would win back to back over Kobe, Lebron and Shaq a few years ago? i bet not . so please give me a break on my thoughts.

Also is Ilgauskas injured right now? nope. so why would i mention his health? is Garnett and Bynum injured right now? yes they are.

why are you breaking down players individually? i did not say Ben Wallace and Hickson were great players. i said the Cavaliers have a better support group to surround James as a collection not individuals.

Next time read my article if you want to debate me.

there have been only a few guys in here that will make me backpedal at times and two of them are on my wall of fame

http://www.jumpshotclub.com blog section.
eddie Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 2:25 pm

Boule

the Cavaliers beat San Antonio twice a few years ago during the regular season and got swept.

i am about what have you done lately. lately the cavaliers have won 13 staright and the Lakers are losing to Atlanta and Charlotte

while Boston is struggling without their anchor Kevin Garnett.

i could care less about what happened yesterday—-i am looking at today and the cavaliers are the best team in the league at this time.
Porky Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 2:29 pm

Boule you based (get it?) your Celtics pick on facts. Yes I agree they are the team to beat. Playoff time Celts will step it up; Mr. Garnett will become the panther and lets not forget how the Truth outplayed LeBum last year (how soon they forget).
Keith Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 3:18 pm

wtf - i wrote a long well thought out intelligent comment, with several bullet points, and now it’s not there! Yet a bunch of idiot posts are still here - this site sucks!

Anyway, Cleveland is going to win but I’m not going to rewrite my whole essay - I’ll sum it up by saying - best defensive team, best offensive player, unbeatable at home, can play fast or slow, can go inside or out, completely unselfish. Good luck - rest of NBA
Keith Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 3:22 pm

oh wait - now i see it - never mind. it’s my internet that sucks LOL

by the way - anyone ever remember the NBA being this good and fun to watch? All of the young stars are really likable guys that work hard and are easy to root for (James, Wade, Paul, Williams, Roy, Howard, etc.) - i mean Kevin Durant can come in , be totally awesome and his team still struglles. If a guy like that came into the league 30 years ago - instant .500 team, and playoff bound. It’s so completitive now. The only thing I dont’ like is when GM’s are stupid and overpay mediocre players on long deals (see Beno Udrih, Bobby Simmons, Brian Cardinal, etc.) . Hopefully in the next CBA, they will shorten the max length of the deals.
Joe Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 5:25 pm

Steve,

That’s foolish to say the Cavs would not have the best record if they played in the WEST. Hah, the Cavs own the west this year and would still have the best record in the league.
michael Said,

April 1, 2009 @ 10:20 pm

@JasonW

taking what i said out of context and saying something absurd only shows how little proof you can provide to actually disprove what i said.

regarding the toronto subject ill quote something you said

“That being said, I acknowledge that the top teams in the East (Boston/Cleveland/Orlando) are as good as any other top team in the West.”

orlando lost to toronto today, and it was a close game that toronto had to fight to win. yes, toronto beat orlando, the same orlando that can match any top team in the west, according to you, the same western conference that you obviously find so mighty. of course one win doesnt make a good team but i love how you attempted to disprove what i said about toronto

“but Toronto??? really??? c’mon…”

very inspiring, i love how much evidence you have, i dont think you could come up with any besides their record, which is something i stated if you remember. i wonder how many millions of people youve convinced about toronto being a bad team with that very simple statement. i never thought to make posts like that, simple, uneducated, yet so powerful. you should be commended jasonW.
boule Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 2:06 am

eddie and michael, this is going nowhere…

to me the following is just too obvious and should no longer be ignored here:

the cavs are a great team but playing in a weak conference, thus facing mediocre teams regularly. you look at their record in those few meningful games they actually played and their superstar-player’s stats in those games and you suddenly see major inconsistency. that’s undeniable, in 5 games against last years nba finalists the cavs are 1-4 and you still call them the “team to beat”… geez… i mean come on 1-4… some people might call that ignorance…! in the playoffs you expect them to play at a high level even though two of their top 3 big men can’t score a basket, not even from the foul line, while the third hasn’t played a game in december and january, was injured twice in march and is showing that with his play recently. even the pistons hardly got away with wallace’s offensive incompetence and they had FOUR very gifted scorers in the lineup. I could be going on forever…

you have a struggling celtics squad, but those guys opposed to cleveland have won a championship together and seem to be getting healthy. plus, they beat cleveland before. not only this season but also in the playoffs, where they showed impressive mental toughness, which does not seem to be the cavs strength yet.

then you rate last years nba finalist lower, who if you remember didn’t need their starting center in order to slice through last years playoffs easily against much tougher teams. this year, with their center out again but looking to be ready for the playoffs which last another two months, you doubt them. I wouldn’t ever doubt a team led by kobe bryant because he as opposed to lebron has shown that he can step up and take very strong teams for a long ride single handedly when need be (remember the phoenix series?)

I see how the record gives you reason to maybe even believe what you’re writing and sure, the cavs are winning… but i wouldn’t bet a single cent on the cavs, not even in the first round.

finally i have to admit that lebron is very deserving of the mvp, but that is because of kobe’s and the lakers recent struggles and not because of him being the better player. had the lakers finished strong without bynum it would have needed to go to bryant as he is hands down the better player. it didn’t really help my case that the lakers lost two in a row recently…

btw, I really appreciate how you keep replying and I want to apologize for my vivacious outset as I wasn’t expecting an answer initially. cheers
JasonW Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 4:26 am

@michael
“of course one win doesnt make a good team”

Then why are you talking about one single meaningless game?
Look at the big picture…

BTW did you know that Toronto 29-45 (0.392) is not yet eliminated from the Playoffs? What a strong conference.. humm!
JasonW Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 4:39 am

Now that was a nice comment boule… I couldn’t have said it better myself!

The bottom line is:
The West is, overall, stronger than the East.
Boston (and I HATE them!) is still the team to beat.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 7:34 am

boule wrote: “I wouldn’t ever doubt a team led by kobe bryant because he as opposed to lebron has shown that he can step up and take very strong teams for a long ride single handedly when need be (remember the phoenix series?)”

What?!?

LeBron took a bad team to the Finals. He’s taking this good team to the League’s best record.

What is with you not respecting LeBron and what he’s done in his early career? This guy is already in the same group as Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan as far as early achievements.

And, most importantly, he’s a winner.

I just feel kinda sorry for people like you, boule, who don’t really see the whole picture. You’re stuck in a rut with the NBA, just being spoon fed a perception of who’s good and who’s the best.

“Last season” in sports is ancient history. RIGHT NOW, the Cavs are THE best team in the NBA. LeBron the best player. Headed into the final stretch of the season, they look like the team to beat.

Before last night, the Lakers dropped two in a row against subpar teams on the road. Kobe is banged up and they’re playing very soft. These aren’t great signs of a championship team.

Boston has been struggling without KG. They lost six games in the month KG sat. Doc and the Cs just shut him down for the rest of the regular season. That means that when he comes back, it will be against the Bulls or Pistons, two tough teams. He still won’t be 100%. These aren’t great signs of a championship team.

The Cavs have won 13 in a row. LeBron is playing at an MVP level (in March, he averaged 28 ppg, 9 rpg, 9 apg). Players like Delonte West and Mo Williams are playing solid ball. Their defense is turning it on and shutting teams down (held Dallas to 74 pts, Detroit to 73). Their bench is playing amazingly. Joe Smith and Daniel Gibson have been playing stellar ball.

If you knew anything, you’d realize that… These are great signs of a championship team.
Frank Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 8:44 am

All this shit talk about if the Cavs played in the WEST they would suck yada yada…The Eastern conference has 3 of the 4 best teams in the league you dumb shits….The Cavs are 25-4 against the WEST…HMMMMM…well is it the cavs fault there in the East??….Does not matter cavs will win it all..I am a Witness
JasonW Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 8:52 am

@Michael
“And, most importantly, he’s a winner.”

LeBron has won NOTHING, he has advanced nowhere, especially since his embarassing, winless, performance in the 2007 NBA Finals. So far he has won NOTHING!

“it just happens to have been lakers during the REGULAR SEASON, which by the way means very little in the playoffs”

First (when it comes to the Lakers) you say that the regular season means very little in the Playoffs…

” RIGHT NOW, the Cavs are THE best team in the NBA. LeBron the best player. Headed into the final stretch of the season, they look like the team to beat.”

But then suddenly (when it comes to the Cavs) the same regular season means everything…

You contradict yourself… there’s no need to say anything else!
David Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Excuse me but I thought San Antonio knocked Phoenix out last year in the first round ???
PTrain Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 10:19 am

LOL, Biased.
boule Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 10:20 am

@jasonW

thanks man, I think this is just the typical case of childish bandwagon hype that we’re just witnessing. there have been other soft teams playing well in the past and they all got crushed in the end. all these cleveland people will eat their words sooner rather than later and we’ll be sitting here having told them. it’s hard to convince these people while cleveland keeps blowing out the milwaukees, new yorks and chicagos of the league.

even when that dallas team made it to the finals i was really surprised. they also didn’t look like they had the toughness to do that and finally failed due to their own lack of mental toughness (certainly, the refs had their influence, but that was after they blew the lead in game 3). lebron has shown that same inconsitency in big games (as i’ve proven before and you keep ignoring michael b). he’s great, i know what he can do, i own the league pass and am certainly not spoon fed. this is also exactly why i can see the deficiencies that still exist in lebron’s game and am not blinded by his stats and regular season success. you know, there was a time when jerry stackhouse almost averaged 30… there’s more to being a great player and lebron will get there with age…

btw, kobe being lebron’s age was in the 02-03 season when he averaged 30ppg, 6.9 rpg and 6 apg. well who does that remind you of michael b.? but guess who had won 3(!) championships by then already…that was because he had shaq to help him, who does lebron have.. right… i’m not taking anything away from lebron, but he has been inconsistent in big games and his cavs don’t have what it takes. they are not ready, that’s the bottom line. in your fairyland of highlight reels where they also wouldn’t call traveling, maybe maybe the cavs could beat the lakers after defeating the celtics easily in a playoff series. in reality… not gonna happen.

i don’t want to get into this too much, but i just can’t stand some silly super smart-aleck telling me i didn’t know anything… dude what do you know? you’re just a naive “witness”. i’m telling you now and for the last time, don’t bet anything on the cavs or you’ll witness reality. better trust me.
boule Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 10:28 am

let me just quickly correct myself: lebron is already great just not great and mentaly tough enough yet to take these cavs to a championship
Michael Bennett Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 10:41 am

JasonW - There are two Michaels on here. I’m Michael Bennett. And, there is another named just michael. I know it’s easy to confuse considering you obviously can’t decipher the two. We write in two different styles and the biggest giveaway is that the names, although similar, are different. Doy! So, your last post is off. I never wrote: “it just happens to have been lakers during the REGULAR SEASON, which by the way means very little in the playoffs” But, thanks for trying. Next time, you might want to try and use reality based arguments.

And, LeBron hasn’t won anything? Conference championships are nothing? A Division title is nothing?

Why don’t you ask Eddie if those things are important? Obviously, an NBA title is THE most important. But, winning your conference or division is also a huge deal.

boule - You keep on saying LeBron is “inconsistent in big games.” How did you prove that? Last time I checked, in Game 7 of last year’s conference semi-finals, LeBron scored over 40. The year before, in a crucial game 5 performance on the road in the conference finals, he scored 48 points (and the last 25 straight) for the win. Those are big games, last time I checked.

And, every superstar has had his share of tough times in big games. Michael Jordan and the Bulls lost against the Orlando Magic in the Playoffs in 95. Kobe Bryant gave up last year in Game 6, having a horrible game and series. Oh, yeah. And, his stacked Lakers lost in 5 games against Detroit in the Finals. He disappeared in that series, too.

Kobe’s still an amazing player. And, you can’t say that he’s inconsistent in big games. All great players have good games and bad games. LeBron and Kobe have faired similarly in big games.
JasonW Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 11:40 am

Ok Mr. Bennett, sorry about that… but,

“And, LeBron hasn’t won anything? Conference championships are nothing? A Division title is nothing?”

What? Conference championships? Division title? Give him that! & Give him the regular season MVP while Kobe gets another ring and the Finals MVP…
Michael Bennett Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 12:07 pm

The way things are going, if the Lakers DO win the Finals, Pau Gasol will win Finals MVP.

(Eddie - Watch the sh!tstorm this will cause…)
JasonW Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 12:29 pm

Do you know who got the last 3 Finals MVPs with the Lakers? Do you know why?
Cause that’s the reason why Kobe’s gonna get the MVP.
boule Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 12:39 pm

@ michael bennett

yeah he is a good scorer no doubt, never denied that… is he mentally tough? reggie miller was, jordan was, kobe is the most competitive active player i could come up with, jose calderon is a beast in that category. lebron doesn’t have that, yet probably. he is a scorer, a superior athlete with great skill, he will come through many times. but in meaningful games he has been subpar instead of stepping up. compare that to nowitzki. great scorer, fairly clutch but who would you rather go to in the fourth, kobe or dirk? who would you rather have with the ball in game seven of a championship game, lebron or kobe? who’s got the balls? hell i would even prefer arenas, pierce, anthony and as much as i hate to say it, wade in that situation. he IS amazing, he will be great, he has awesome vision, improved shooting, bla bla, BUT he won’t win a championship this year!
did he come up big in the games against the lakers or the celtics? no. just once in five games this year actually. did artest get into his head? certainly. did artest get into kobe’s head? certainly not. i bring up artest for a reason as he is one of the most feared defenders in the league. i mentioned this before and you probably didn’t read it (i wrote: “as long as lebron doesn’t show that he can play consistently in big games, the cavs are going nowhere! he hasn’t done that this season, in two games against the lakers he is averaging 19 ppg on 31% shooting. in two losses against the celtics he is averaging 21 ppg, 8 shy of his season average, while in all fairness handing in an impressive performance in the single win the cavs had vs boston. he also struggled in two tough matchups vs houston, a nice measuring stick for wing players, which the teams split.”)

antoine walker has won an eastern conference championship, kenyon martin was in the nba finals, they were both key players. have they achieved a lot in the league? well… you could argue they have, but against what kind of competition?!?

lebron is a very nice player and i would love to have them on the knicks (even though i realize that he is probably staying) but the cavs for the variety of reasons i have stated a couple of times now (most importantly their PF play actually), ARE NOT BY ANY MEANS THE TEAM TO BEAT, THAT’S JUST NAIVE.
frank B Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

Who gives a flying f about who gets the finals MVP!

Wake up people! Basketball is a team game. Wilt Chamberlain averaged 50 points a game and didn’t win a title that year.

Lebron is a good player, but whether he is a great player will only be known after his career is over. All of you guys that love throwing out silly statistics would look at the record books and not even put Bill Russell into your top 100 players. As Mark Twain said, there are lies, damn lies, and statistics.

If Cleveland has an achilles heel, it is their over reliance on Lebron. If he is contained as San Antonio did in the Finals (get out the brooms!) and Boston did last year, the Cavs are not only not going to win the championship, they are not even going to make the Finals. Of course, if I were Mike Brown, running your offense and defense through a guy as versatile as Lebron is going to win you a lot of games, but I question whether it is a championship formula, particularly in playoff situations where ball handling and jump shooting become a lot more important. It is difficult for a forward to dominate the game as he does, and it is not a formula that has been ultrasuccessful as far as championships go.

No one played the small forward position better than Elgin Baylor and his lack of championship success is well known. Larry Bird and Dr. J were able to make it work so maybe Lebron can pull it off, although once again, both of those guys played on great teams.

It is not a secret why Phil Jackson has 9 NBA titles but it doesn’t seem apparent to most of the folks that are writing into Hoopshype. The reason is that Phil Jackson takes maniacal egomaniacs with talent and creates a team. An excellent team will always defeat a collection of excellent individuals.

Michael Jordan never won anything without Phil Jackson either at Chicago or Washington. He scored 66 points at Boston garden and lost the game.

Kobe can’t win a championship by himself. Lebron can’t either.

That being said, I think Cleveland’s chances are pretty good for coming out of the East if Kevin Garnett is not funtioning at a high level. However, Boston has a better team than Cleveland with Garnett and I think Cleveland will have a tough time getting past them despite not having homecourt.

However comes out of the East is going to lose to the Lakers however!
scott Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 2:11 pm

Chemistry and defense win NBA titles >90% of the time.

LA is a better offensive team than Cavs, but the Cavs have better defense and chemistry. When the going gets tough Lebron step ups and raises his teammates up–whereas when the going gets tough Kobe gets more in his withdrawn/fingerpointing ways or in his ballhogging ways, take your pick but it doesn’t translate into team success. (how many rings does Kobe have where Shaq wasn’t the main man–that is what I thought)

Just look at the Celts series last year that involved both teams. As the series went out, the Cavs and Lebron became a tougher out and the Celts ESCAPED on a last shot in game 7. When the Lakers needed tough play to stay alive in game 6, we know what happened to their leader and team–destroyed, uncompetitive, implosion (take your pick of terms).

BTW Laker fans are irritating. If any fans should take exception to the original post it would be Celts fans, who carry the trophy and manhandled the Lakers when the series got testy. In fact I think they are the chief obstacle to Cleveland. But I just think this time they are too wounded, and the younger dogs, playing at home, will wear them out (assuming the Celts are fresh enough to survive the Magic–who are far more formidable than any team in the West not named the Lakers).
boule Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 2:22 pm

discussion ends here for me, i think the last couple of posts have brought proper reasoning to this discourse and it has become evident that either the celtics or lakers have to be considered the team to beat. in case charlotte somehow sneaks into the playoffs, look out cavs fans…
Michael Bennett Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

Thank god the discussion ends for you, boule. Your reasoning is just amateurish. And you obviously don’t have a grasp of the game.
Holla Bolla Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 4:19 pm

A little hoola-hooping at the mansion and what do you know: It is time to practice. Good news for LA-LA fans, check out the link below haters, you too Eddie.

http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/02/a-healthy-bynum-will-give-lakers-an-edge/14457/

Lakers don’t have chemistry? Wow Scott. Gasol rolls in midway through the season in 2008 and they still make the finals. Got thwarted by Celts but as one-sided as the series looked, it could easily have gone 7. Celts were undoubtedly better, but what the Lakers did last year will never be fully appreciated because of one game. You only can do that if you have chemistry. Don’t hate.

Kobe was the MVP, and again compared to Jordan (so annoying) as they raced through the Spurs…then they lose to the Celts and “he quit”? Celts D was for real and ate up LA..but it is 2009, and baby Bynum is all “growed up” now. I know you saw him at the mansion.

Holla!
kingsblade Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 5:34 pm

I love how Boule says something like “it has become evident” simply because he has managed to convince himself of something. What a tool.

I’m a bit late to the party here I know, but I find myself in agreement with Michael Bennett on his assessment of the Cavs supporting cast. They are not as good as everyone thinks they are, and I credit LeBron with that perception.

I would think of all people a Suns guy like Eddie would understand because it is very much like how suddenly all the Suns players who had been pretty average in the past became regarded as all-stars in part because of playing with Nash.

I believe James has elevated a very average supporting cast to heights I would not have guessed possible. For that I think he deserves MVP, and this is quite an admission from me because I am not a LeBron James fan at all. I also think that the softer eastern competition cannot be held against him for the simple fact that he should not be punished for the ineptitude of his opponents and the fact that he has played remarkably well when facing western conference teams as well.

I also scoff at any suggestions that he is not mentally tough enough. He took a joke of a team to the finals with every defense he saw focused entirely on him. If fighting through that in every playoff game he has ever played does not instill mental toughness then nothing will.

All that being said, I do not believe they will win the title. As I stated previously, I think the Cavs supporting cast is not god enough, and while LeBron can carry them during the season I am not convinced he can do it all the way to a championship. I would not necessarily be surprised if he pulled it off, but I cannot consider the Cavs the favorite. I find it very difficult to write off the Celtics, as many here seem to have done, and anybody who wins the annual western dogfight will be tough to beat.
kingsblade Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 5:36 pm

I’ve been quiet on here lately. It must be due to the pitiful performances of every team I love in every sport this year.

*wipes a tear
Efren Mendez Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 7:40 pm

Eddie,

Stop hating on the Lakers for once in everything you write. I’m surprise you did’nt pick the Suns to win it all.

Regards,

EM
CavsLostTonight Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 9:44 pm

HAHAHA, team to beat. Cavaliers lost tonight.
adklajdsfj Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 9:59 pm

for those who kept whining ’bout how good Cleveland is… they just lost to Wizards, TWICE already this season. So.. stop dogging about Lakers losses to the bad teams. IT HAPPENS FOR EVERY TEAM! For the ones complaining ’bout Cavs did not have a center and went 9-4. PLEASE!! Lakers were playing without a true center for the longets time, Pau is a natural PF, he is NOT a center by any mean. Ben Wallace is garbage? what about DJ Mbenga, that guy’s worse than garbage. Lakers been playing without a true center for the longest time, period. Get your facts straight!
eddie Said,

April 2, 2009 @ 11:14 pm

adklajdsfj Said,
April 2, 2009 @ 9:59 pm

for those who kept whining ’bout how good Cleveland is… they just lost to Wizards, TWICE already this season. So.. stop dogging about Lakers losses to the bad teams. IT HAPPENS FOR EVERY TEAM! For the ones complaining ’bout Cavs did not have a center and went 9-4. PLEASE!! Lakers were playing without a true center for the longets time, Pau is a natural PF, he is NOT a center by any mean. Ben Wallace is garbage? what about DJ Mbenga, that guy’s worse than garbage. Lakers been playing without a true center for the longest time, period. Get your facts straight!

——-the Cavaliers have won 13 out of 14 games and have the best record in the league. stop coming in here commenting on 1 game. they were due to lose this is the NBA and plus the Wizards with the big three are a 4th or 5th at best.

this is not about the Lakers against the Cavs. You need to be concentrating on the tough road ahead for the Lakers in getting out of the West.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 12:09 am

Eddie - Jay Cutler to Da Bears! Hate to change the subject, but for a fellow Chicagoan, this is the best thing ever.

I still can’t believe it. We have a marquee quarterback in Chicago. It’s a miracle!
Bobby Hubbard Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 1:19 am

Uh oh Eddie johnson sayin some dumb sh*t again. Someone call the nig*er patrol and skin this rancid coon. If i ever see eddie johnson in LA again I will personally kill him
adklajdsfj Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 1:45 am

eddie

I’m simply pointing out the facts that people whine about. They complain about Lakers losing to bad teams while Cavs had a winning streak going on. I was simply presenting the fact that it happens, this is NBA, every team has potential of beating another team in any given night. You’re pointing out that Cavs won 13 out of 14, so what?? Boston won 19 straight at one point this season.. and they were getting all the attention. Guess what? Lakers beat them while they were streaking. A 13 out of 14 does NOT mean anything. Pull out the record book, which team has been the #1 team in the NBA the longest, THIS SEASON. That probably shows the best sign of consistency. As much as Lakers need to come out of west first, Cavs will need to try to get out of east also. You ask me not to make a comment base on one game, then don’t base your comment base on just ONE STREAK. How do you explain the lakers swept out the Celtics & Cavs this season? Especially playing Celtics & Cavs are 4 games on the road, AND IN BACK TO BACK SITUATION AND WITHOUT BYNUM. come on!
kenney Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 4:15 am

well the cavs swept the lakers last year what did that mean playoffs are a new game.I dont think the lakers are tough enough to compete with the cavs in c-town in 7.They arent good enough to get home court then what does that say.Cavs will not lose if they have home court and thats what david stern wants kobe vs lebron so it will happen but when it does it will be the first of many titles for lebron and cleveland so mark my words david stern will make his decision to either let the denver hotel bandit get 1 more or let the king get his 1st of 7.and yes he should be in prison next to the juice box OJ and vanessa should have been smart and left him because you know what they do to r….. in prison but money talks and the good guys always win hence KING JAMES AND THE CAVS WIN DO TO KARMA sorry Kobe and stay away from the front desk girls……….
Holla Bolla Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 8:03 am

Kenny, LA was not tough enough last year. They over-achieved, and got crucial play-off and finals experience. They are tougher in 2009 because of what they went through last year. They went 12-3 (sans Bynum) in the WC playoffs last year…including 4-1 over the Spurs in the WC finals.

Eddie, The WC is good again this year, but not that much better than it was in 2008. The Lakers are better and Bynum is coming back, contrary to your inside source (Peter Vescey). The Lakers are tougher (best road record in NBA). Earth to Cleveland: Not too long ago, The Cavs got blasted by Boston in Boston sans Garnett…Boston is a much tougher out than anyone in the West. Cavs are great too, but the Celts can bottle up Lebron just like they did to Kobe. Cavs supporting cast will be even more crucial to beating that Boston D…my bet is on Boston.

Hate the Celts, but they are the defending champs and still playing at a very high level. Funny how this panel seems to disregard them, and that Eddie thinks Lakers will have a tougher road in the WC. Lebron will get his one day, but Celts are the team to beat in the East.

BTW–Bobby Hubbard…wtf? You sound like a pretty cool person…psyche
Michael Bennett Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 9:05 am

Let’s not forget that the Cavs will have home court advantage in the entire Playoffs. You don’t think that will be important in the series versus Boston? What about the fact that the Cavs will play an 8th seed then a 4 or 5 seed, while Boston will be in a dogfight with Orlando in the 2nd round.

A lot of people on here think the Cavs can’t win the NBA championship because they haven’t done it YET. Well, there’s always the first time. This reminds me A LOT of Jordan and the Bulls in 1990-91. Detroit had beaten them badly in the previous three years of Playoffs. Then, the culture in Chicago changed. The Bulls went in and swept them, 4-0. You have to have vision. A lot of people on here can’t understand this.

I really do think the Lakers and Kobe will win one championship before all is said and done. But, not this year. San Antonio and Denver are coming on too strong out of the West. And, the Celtics and Cleveland are too good out of the East. Kobe will need a 100% healthy Bynum, Gasol and Odom playing their best basketball, and role players like Fisher, Vujacic, Walton and Farmar playing consistent, stellar ball.

LeBron will win regular season MVP. Then, he’ll win the title this year and Finals MVP.
aldkjaksfajf Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 9:41 am

yes, Lebron will win the MVP this year, but that does NOT mean Cavs will win the title. Too many people just look at the regular season record and decide, “ok this is the team to beat”. Well, Dallas was the overwhelming favorite in terms of record couple years ago, and they were out on the first round, surprise surprise! That was the year when Dirk won the MVP!!! If you feel that Denver & San Antonio are coming too strong, what about Lakers? Lakers has BY FAR the better record out of them all, and have winning record against both of them so far this season. Lakers have by far the better road record than Cavs, Cavs are only good at home, and guess what, Lakers beat them at their home floor, on a BACK TO BACK situation, WITHOUT bynum, AND while Cavs were fully motivated to beat the Lakers too. It wasn’t even a close game, Lakers beat Cavs twice this season convincingly. I’m not saying Cavs will not win this year. Yes, Cavs currently do have the best record, people sound like they will FOR SURE have the best record by season end. Lakers are only 2 games behind, and Cavs will play Orlando today. There is still a chance that Lakers can catch up. Just ‘cuz Cavs are in the lead right now in terms of the record does not mean they will have the best record when the season ends in 2 weeks. Again, I’m not saying that there’s no way Cavs will win it all. I’m simply stating the fact that people felt so strongly about Cavs will win for sure. They made it sound like it’s a walk in the park to go through the Lakers… if the lakers make it to the finals. I don’t believe that should be the case, I will say LeBron will win the regular season MVP by a big margin, but in terms of Cavs going all the way… I do not have the same confidence on that part. It’s funny how people just look at the record and whoever has the best record is the team to beat.
Dan Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 9:41 am

Hey yhello! You say that the Cavs have the worst coach of the top 4 teams? Can you give me a few LOGICAL reasons for saying that? All I’ve seen is Mike Brown coaching this team to a better season every single year he has been here. The team just keeps getting better and better. Ferry keeps getting the players and Mike keeps getting the most possible out of those players. Mo Williams? Until this season, did you ever see him play ANY defense? No! Now, he is one of the best defensive PG’s in the league! Andy? Do I really need to say anything else? Get over yourself! Give Mike Brown and the Cavs the credit they both deserve!
Holla Bolla Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 1:25 pm

M. Bennett,

You can use that same Jordan’s Bulls argument for the Lakers. They were a Team with younger, inexperienced key pieces (Ariza, Bynum, Gasol, Farmar, Sasha, Odom) and got blasted in the Finals. The difference is they made it to the finals, defeated the more experienced Spurs. The Celts are their buzz-saw.

Of course, the Cavs home court will be huge, but the Celts figured out how to win on the road last year when then beat Detroit twice and won in LA. They are also a more experienced squad with a title under their belt. Another thing, Cavs will be favored and the under-dog mentality will be gone. Celts will use that to their advantage. People pick the Spurs for the same reason, but the Celts are better equiped this year than the Spurs. Of course, a gimpy Garnett is a huge factor.

By the way, are you saying that the Cavs don’t need a 100% healthy squad playing stellar ball to beat the Celts & Lakers.

Your quote: “Kobe will need a 100% healthy Bynum, Gasol and Odom playing their best basketball, and role players like Fisher, Vujacic, Walton and Farmar playing consistent, stellar ball.”

All contenders needs to play that way to beat each other. Don’t get why you single out LA unless you are a hater. Pavovich, Gibson, Wally, B. Wallace (health?)..dont they have to step up too to ensure dubs? Come on Bennett!

As Jon Barry says: Cavs have yet to have a statment road victory…they will have another chance to tonight though vs Orlando. We can all agree: Even with Home Court, you have to win tough games on the road to be a Champ. Lakers have had multiple signature Road dubs this year, many on back to back. Last year, the Celts had many similar rooad wins, notably the Texas Three-Step. It is crucial, not matter what Eddie says.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 2:25 pm

Lakers road record:
28-11

Cavs road record:
25-13

Very similar…

Stop using the word ‘hater.’ It oversimplifies a complicated issue of predictions and ideas on why one team is better than the rest. Plus, you sound like some moron who can’t put together your thoughts.

I think the Cavs will win the title for my reasons. You might think otherwise. But, let’s all follow the elementary rules of:

a) using more than one block paragraph
b) predicting based off of facts
c) NEVER using the word ‘hater’
Michael Bennett Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 2:27 pm

And for the record, Holla Bolla - Gasol and Odom aren’t “young inexperienced players.” And, Jordan’s Bull NEVER got spanked in the Finals… twice, like Kobe did.
aldkjaksfajf Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 2:35 pm

doesn’t matter if ppl got spanked in the finals, Shaq got spanked in the finals TWICE, but still ended up with 4 rings. It was just different era so comparison is pointless. Just ‘cuz Bulls did it in certain ways or follow certain pattern doesn’t mean it’ll happen for any of the team right now. The simple fact is, this season, Cavs have yet to beat Lakers, and Cavs biggest advantage over Lakers is their home court dominance, but guess what, lakers is the only one to yet beat them on their home floor, again.. WITHOUT BYNUM.
kingsblade Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 3:50 pm

Michael Bennett,

I have a feeling Cutler isn’t going to look quite so “marquee” playing for the Bears, but we’ll see.

Second, I don’t know why you think Orlando will be such a dogfight for the Celtics. Orlando is one of those teams that rolls in the regular season but do not seem to have the personnel nor the killer instinct to really be a serious problem. Plus, see back to back losses vs the Raptors. I don’t like tyo put too much stock in specific games, but the Raptors?
Michael Bennett Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 4:29 pm

kingsblade,

All good teams lose against bad teams. Cavs got beat by the Wizards twice this season. Lakers lost against the Bobcats twice. San Antonio lost to OKC twice. It happens. You can’t judge a team based on a couple of losses, but the entire season as a whole and projected Playoff output.

With that being said, Orlando may have played poorly in past Playoffs. But, this team this year is a really good team. They have the personnel to give any teams fits. And, the Celtics will have a tough time with that amazing front line.

As for Cutler, you’re crazy if you don’t think he will change the entire landscape. Forte ran for over 1,000 yards as a rookie with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman at the quarterback position. When the Bears actually have a throwing game (for the first time in team history), Forte’s game will open up. To have a running and passing attack like that, and the steady defense, the Bears will be a top 5 team, guaranteed.
Holla Bolla Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 8:55 pm

M. Bennett,

You seem like a cool dude…not really.

Since when can a moron call someone else a moron? A common trait among haters is hypocrisy..and you fit the bill.

Gasol and Odom are inexperienced…referrring to playoffs. Gasol had never even won a playoff game before last year. Odom had never been past the second round.

Jordan’ Bull’s nemisis was Detroit..they got spanked by the Pistons multiple times and were labeled soft…pretty similar to the Lakers label after the Finals. The Bulls got tougher through those experiences and would never had won 6 titles if they did not go through those failures…assume you would agree. LA is tougher now too, thanks to the going through that desturction vs the Celts in 2008. They will be more prepared to win the Finals, assuming they get there. The comparison is legit. You compare Lebron’s Cavs to Jordan’s Bulls..fine. Makes sense too, but it applies to LA too.

BTW–Lebron’s Cavs also got smashed in the finals btw (bulls never did)..got swept by the Spurs…touche. Haters are hypocrites.

Your quote: “Kobe will need a 100% healthy Bynum, Gasol and Odom playing their best basketball, and role players like Fisher, Vujacic, Walton and Farmar playing consistent, stellar ball.”

This is funny quote man..you are implying that the Cavs or Celts can can play subpar ball and win. These 3 squads (Orlando not too far behind) are pretty equally legit. To beat each other they have be at their best & healthy. Haters are hypocrites.

I gotta another rule for you MB…when responding to an article about Cavs/Lakers/Celts, we do not give a d@mn about Jay Cutler? You are defending that clown…if he went to Tampa or Minnesota, you would be destroying him, just a hunch..hater.
adklajdsfj Said,

April 3, 2009 @ 11:45 pm

the “TEAM TO BEAT” just got humiliated by Magic by 29 points. Ouch! So.. Cavs can’t beat the bad team (Wizards) and can’t beat the good team (Magic), and… they’re the team to beat?
Islam Shahid Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 2:56 am

januko Said,
March 30, 2009 @ 7:18 am

Agree 100%. San-Antonio has now more good players, than people think they are!
boule Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 8:03 am

OOOOOOOPS… I just had to come back… you know, michael bennett… seems like you’re just about to become a witness of my basketball knowledge. i don’t give a **** about you trying to insult me cause at the end of the day, you’ll be eating your words mate.

what a joke this whole thing actually is… cavs the team to beat, yeah right
boule Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 8:05 am

big game, lebron 7-20. way to go dude
Michael Bennett Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 8:21 am

Yeah, because the Orlando game is the proof of what the Cavs will do in the Playoffs.

I love how you write that the Playoffs and winning are the only things that matter. Then, you use a select few games from the regular season to prove your point (unsuccessfully).

The Cavs played horribly. They were out of sync from the first few minutes that LeBron got his technical. They lost big. It happens to good teams.

But, if you think this ONE game is indicative of what the Cavs will do in the Playoffs, then you don’t know anything.

Why aren’t you focusing on…?:

The Cavs record (61-15) which is still, after back to back losses, league’s best.

The Cavs home record (35-1) which is still league’s best, and will definitely be a factor if the Cavs secure home court advantage through the Playoffs.

No… Instead you’re looking at ONE GAME as a prism to see the entire season?!? Very foolish.
boule Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 8:45 am

@ michael bennett

only thing i’ve been focusing on in ALL of my posts is inconsistency in the few important games the cavs have played (THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE SEASON NOT JUST ONE GAME). they are good but not consistent against top competition. (re-read my posts and you get the picture) the lakers have shown impressive mental toughness in exactly the kind of games that the cavs have been struggling to win. they are playing in the really weak eastern conference you’ve just got to remember that, their record is misleading (this might also be interesting for you eddie).

you still serious about this team coming out on top in respective playoff-series against the celtics and lakers? there’s absolutely no chance that’s going to happen. zero.

and again, if the bobcats make it to the playoffs they may not even get that far, look at the matchups…!

seriously man, i’ve been saying this before but your obsession with lebron is a little bit too much… the lakers just beat houston again. houston would be kicking major ass in the east. we’ll see who the “amateur” is round here when it’s all said and done

instead of just insulting people and saying “lebron is best” you should actually be the one looking at the bigger picture. it’s not about stats and records at this time of the year, i’ve given plenty of proof by now.
boule Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 9:11 am

an awesome band (lagwagon) once wrote: “you will eat your words and your verbs and you will fast disappear”
JasonW Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 10:13 am

Holla Bolla, adklajdsfj & boule.. you guys are tough!!! Still trying to teach Mr. Bennett. eheheheh…
Unfortunately he’s not the learning type, just another bandwagon!
Give up guys! I already did…
Michael Bennett Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 10:24 am

Bandwagon? Ha! I’ve been touting LeBron James forever. Ask Eddie AKA one of the few smart NBA minds on here that has a clue.

boule - Your argument against the Cavs is the same argument anyone can use against the Lakers. The Lakers have lost against Orlando (twice this year), San Antonio, Utah, Denver, New Orleans and Miami. These are all top teams. Does this mean that the Lakers are “inconsistent against top competition” because they lost to these tough teams? You contradict yourself.

My argument has always been that LeBron is the best player in the world and this year’s MVP. And, because of that, I think the Cavs will win the title. I’ve also ALWAYS said that the Lakers supporting cast is better than the Cavs supporting cast.

It seems like the only one who knows anything about consistency is ME.
adklajdsfj Said,

April 4, 2009 @ 12:15 pm

Michael Bennett, best player does NOT equal to winning championship. The past few years, Kobe, Dirk, Nash, KG all won MVP, none of them won championship during that year. I do believe Lebron is one of the best, if not already the best player in the world, but again, it does NOT mean it’s automatic championship. This IS a statement game, Cavs can’t win on the road, and against a possible eastern conference finalist, then faltered. Same thing about the last time Cavs tried to play lakers on their home floor, it was also a statement game, and they couldn’t do it. Acording to your argument above, then a team HAS TO be 82-0 in order to be called consistent, otherwise, if they lose to bad team it’s inconsistency, they lose to good team, they couldn’t bring the “W”. Yes, Cavs lost back to back and “yet” have the best record in the NBA. But just ‘cuz they have the best record in the NBA RIGHT NOW, does NOt mean they’ll end up with the best record by season end. Lakers just lost back to back on the road too. but that was after one long road trip, and they pulled 5-2, which is quite impressive (and 6-0 last time including playing Celts and Cavs back to back). On two longest road trips that lakers have this season, lakers pulled out 11-2… quite impressive isn’t it… AND WITHOUT BYNUM. Cavs do have an excellent home court advantage, but Cavs road record isn’t as impressive. If any team can beat Cavs on their home floor, it’d be Lakers.

Btw, you can’t really use the argument and said that Cavs played horrible that’s why they lost to Orlando. Orlando was playing them well, that’s why Cavs lost. Just like when Cavs beat out Dallas, Dallas was playing horrible. That’s NOT a valid argument. You must give credit to the Orlando team that MADE Cavs play horrible. Just like when Cavs beat other teams, do you think other teams were just playing horrible or Cavs made them play horrible? Give credit to the winner, instead of being biased. I give orlando a lot of credit, especially beating Lakers twice, and they are indeed a force out there and yes, don’t count Celtics out either.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 5, 2009 @ 6:14 pm

Where’s your CONSISTENCY, boule?

You’re on here after the Cavs lose to Orlando and you post “big game, lebron 7-20. way to go dude”

But, why aren’t you on here when the Cavs demolish San Antonio and LeBron goes 14-21 from the field?

That’s what I thought.
kingsblade Said,

April 5, 2009 @ 8:53 pm

Michael Bennett,

I don’t even know if you’ll be back on this thread, but the bit about the 2 losses - thats why I prefaced it with “I don’t like to put too much stock in individual games.” You don’t have to convince me that every team loses to bad now and then, and the Raptors comment was just an add-in to point out my belief that they do not have it for the playoffs.

I could easily be proven wrong, but I don’t expect to. You know whats so good about the Celtics? They somehow match up really good against everybody.

Back to Cutler - A quarterback cannot change the landscape by himself. In Denver he had everything a QB could ask for in a very good offense. In Chicago he will be running for his life every time he has to drop back. Their line is terrible (they do not even have a tackle who has started more than one game on their roster last time I checked.) and giving up their first pick will not help that. Their running game could be badly hit be the weakened line. Cutler’s job is essentially going ot be to dump the ball to the tight ends and hend the ball off 25-35 timers a game.

Worst of all, nobody knows if Cutler can cut it playing with a very poor offense, and this very situation has proven him to be immature and a bit of a flake. Not a good combination in a quarterback running a terrible offense.
Ron Artest Said,

April 6, 2009 @ 11:13 pm

Sorry but i will have to go with kobe who is the best player in the world by far,and the fakers on this one. lebron is usually trash in the playoffs,and i don’t expect this season to be any different. he is a great fantasy stats player,but when faced with good teams you see his numbers,and his team’s record. he has been in the league six years,and this guy still doesn’t have it. his playoff usually goes something like this,he stinks up the first four or five games of a series,and has one great game,and then that’s all you see on espn. being a ron artest fan i love defense,and the fact remains that kobe shut down lebron by himself in los angeles. lebron was afraid to take kobe off the dribble,he was calling for screens like he was a rookie…kobe took it straight to lebron several times,and to the guy who said lebron could post up kobe…lmao! lebron couldn’t post up a telephone poll. if i can recall it was kobe posting him up several times in la and hitting turn around jumpers over him. then in cleveland kobe posted him up and hit the jumper to seal that game. face it kobe is the most complete player in the league,and it isn’t even close right now.i look for the cavs to carry mr 2-18 again,until they meet the magic or celtics… thefakers on the other hand have shown all year long that when they focus on a team they will beat them with or without that kid bynum…this is the fakers year,and i hate to say it but if the kid bynum stays healthy the league might be looking at another three peat for phil and kobe…ugh!!!!
Ron Artest Said,

April 6, 2009 @ 11:16 pm

kid keeny act as if kaye was his baby’s mother or his secret crush…face it kobe hit it,unless you have some evidence proving kobe did it,quit crying like a jealous seventh grade female…lmao…these lebron homers are so sensitive
ray Said,

April 9, 2009 @ 4:11 pm

The only player in NBA PLAYOFF history to average 27.5 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists is . . .MJ? No. . . . Kobe? Nope. . . . Bird? . . . Uh-Uh. The only one to average 27-8-7 is . . . (drumroll) . . . LeBron freaking James!

Artest, get a clue. LeBron is on his way - just like his regular seasons - to establishing one of the greatest post-season records of all-time. He has already carried otherwise mediocre-to-horrific Cavs teams to 5 series wins, and now, with an improved surrounding cast, we’ll see another brilliant performance, with the only drama being whether this will be his first championship or Kobe’s 4th. But he will get his.

As to your comment about Bron’s several bad games then his one good one, last year vs. the Celts he got 35, 32 and 45 in games 5,6 and 7, with game 4’s exclamation point being his wicked dunk posterizing Kevin, after blowing past Pierce and Posey. Garnett was so humiliated that he wouldn’t face the media post-game.

And don’t forget Bron’s 45 game 7, compared to Kobe “leading” his team to a heroic 39-point loss in their final game.

And as to Kobe’s 2 wins over Bron this year, it’s interesting how you seemed to have forgotten Bron’s 5 straight previous wins over Kobe the previous (read pre-Gasol) couple years, including their last visit (Jan ‘08) to LA where Bron particularly torched Kobe in the 4th quarter.
Ron Artest Said,

April 9, 2009 @ 6:41 pm

Oh please you get a clue ray! Lebron is on his way to doing exactly what he does every other year,and that’s shoot his team out of the playoffs07′ finals trash,lastyear prior to game 7 trash!…LMAO at you lying saying lebron torched kobe…Lebron has never torched kobe. You lebron homers are so silly and so caught up on stats that you let it cloud your vision. Also please quit lying to yourself about lebron carrying a weak team anywhere! That weak team kept his butt in the playoffs despite having two of the worst games in playoff history last year. That sorry supporting cast also helped him(boobie) by scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter against the pistons a few years. Face it the “Lebron has no help” Excuse train left the station years ago…If kobe had a team where he could shoot 2-18 and still have a chance to win,I am willing to bet they win that series,heck if anyother superstar had a cast that good,they probably would have won. I’ll tell you what when it’s all over and mr james doesn’t have a ring,maybe he will take pride in knowing atleast he had the best stats,because hey that’s what it’s all about. Nevermind that your team is 2-6 against the top teams this year,and lebron has been trash in those games… Hey atleast he has a nice “per”…Lastly check out lebron’s sixty minutes piece and remind me who he said was the best player in the league because i seem to have forgotten?
kobe Said,

April 10, 2009 @ 8:45 am

kobe had only won his 3 rings because of shaq. lebron could easily win championships too in that situations even more than kobe had today.so don’t boast that kobe has 3 rings and lebron has not won anything.
ken Said,

April 10, 2009 @ 10:50 am

Lebron will not win a title for next 5 years. Why? because Kobe and Lakers will win next 5 championship and Kobe will retired. Lebron just like other great players who never win a championship.
ray Said,

April 10, 2009 @ 12:16 pm

Last year, Jan. 27, Staples center:
Lebron 41 points, 14 in 4th quarter; Kobe 33, CAVS win. Torched in 4th.

Dec. 20th. Cleveland:
Bron 33; Kobe 21. CAVS win. Torch.

Last year Celts, prior to game 7’s 45 points: Game 5, 35 points; Game 6, 32 points. Some trash, Artest.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 11, 2009 @ 7:56 pm

Is there some reason why none of you Lakers fans posted after Kobe’s embarrassing choke against the Blazers?

LeBron NEVER does that. Let me rephrase… The NBA MVP never does that.

I can’t wait for the Playoffs. LeBron and the Cavs are going to win the championship
Omar Aberilla Said,

April 15, 2009 @ 3:59 am

LeBron ALWAYS chokes. I’m excited to Michael. We have been looking forward to these playoffs, that could make or break LeBron’s career. A lot of pressure on him now. Let’s see if he’s going to step up to the plate and live up to the billing or be the choker that I had an impression of him being. Can’t wait to see him at the charity stripe with a crucial game on the line…
Michael Bennett Said,

April 15, 2009 @ 8:39 am

An airball three then a nasty turnover? MVP LeBron has NEVER done that.

LeBron will be a champion after this season.
Omar Aberilla Said,

April 16, 2009 @ 2:28 am

I’m telling you man, he’s Karl Malone II. One of the greatest who could never will his team to a championship because he’s just not that tough mentally. See there’s even a semblance in their built, exceptional athleticism and in their personalities. All his pre-game antics, attracting the attention towards himself, with that team photo op pose, chalk tossing, dancing, etc., is not only him showing off but most of all is indicative of his weakness. He needs all that attention to boost his confidence. There’s no way he’s winning it. Period. Oh unless late in his career when he’s playing second fiddle to somebody, maybe. But as the focal point of a team? Nah.
Michael Bennett Said,

April 16, 2009 @ 8:07 am

“There’s no way he’s winning it. Period. Oh unless late in his career when he’s playing second fiddle to somebody, maybe. But as the focal point of a team? Nah.”

Kinda like Kobe…? Kobe still doesn’t have a championship as the Man. Hmm… I wonder why… Because KOBE is the guy you were talking about, not LeBron.

Your drug store psychology is the lamest thing I’ve ever read on here.

LeBron does all the “pre-game antics, attracting the attention towards himself, with that team photo op pose, chalk tossing, dancing” because he realizes that the NBA is entertainment. And, he’s the best entertainer in the NBA.

If you’ve never seen him live, I highly recommend it. Other than that, take your amateur assessment somewhere else… like the kiddie pool.

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