No answers to a mysterious night

I wish I knew.

I wish I could figure out just what was going on with LeBron James in the most important game of the season on Tuesday night, when he looked rather disengaged at times, far too deferential and simply not himself.

Whatever it was, it could very well have cost the Cleveland Cavaliers their last, legitimate shot at an NBA title for years to come if, as widely expected, James bolts and leaves a trail of devastation in his wake.

Now, I refuse to entirely write off the Cavs in Game 6 tomorrow, or even Game 7 if there is one Sunday because of the mere presence of James but there’s been nothing, really, that’s happened in this series to make me think the Cavs are truly a better team than the Celtics right now.

They haven’t defended as well, they haven’t shot it as well, they haven’t been able to do much of anything with any consistency.

And, to borrow a timeworn phrase, it goes back to the head of the snake.

James is a singular talent, of that there is no debate whatsoever. But when his team needed him most he disappeared. Not sure if it was his elbow or his desire to get his teammates involved or the suffocating Boston defence that saw a second and third defender always lurking whenever he got the ball.

I suspect, like always, that it’s a combination of all of those things, there’s never really one concrete reason for stuff like Tuesday night.

But if James – or coach Mike Brown – doesn’t figure it out in a hurry, the last thing we’ll remember about LeBron James with his hometown team is him walking off the court to a chorus of boos from about 4,000 fans who were still in the building when a 32-point pasting was complete.

That’d be some legacy, no?

-

It can be said – and has been said – that Atlanta’s Joe Johnson has cost himself a whack of money with his underwhelming performance in these playoffs; a free agent to be who may not find as many teams clamouring to throw cash his way in July

It can also be said – and will be said – that Boston’s Ray Allen has made himself a whack of money with his oft-overwhelming performance in these playoffs; a free agent to be who may now find many teams clamouring to throw cash his way in July.

Allen has been outstanding at times – like in his five three-point gem on Tuesday night – and you could make the case that he’s the difference in the Celtics. When he’s making tough, contested shots, they win.

Anyway, he’s also without a contract at the end of this season I guarantee you there are GMs out there salivating at the chance to make him an offer.

Yes, he’ll be 35 when next season rolls around and, yes, he’s not the greatest of defenders in the history of the game.

But, man, can he shoot and it would not surprise me in the least if some team didn’t offer him a three-year deal at the mid-level exception (maybe with the third year non-guaranteed) because there is an awful lot of value left in those old bones.

Will it be the Celtics? Well, at some point, you’d think they have to get younger so I’m not entirely sure; but tell me how he’d look in, say, Dallas or Chicago? Pretty darn good, I’d think.

-

Hey, you all realize that the NBA draft lottery is Tuesday, right? Been a very long time since there’s been a day of any significance for the Heroes Of The Hardcourt. They have scant chance to move up to one of the top three spots from their current 13th place but what the heck, there’s at least a reason to think about them.

And, no, I do not believe they’ve asked Chris Bosh to represent them on the stage.

But it’d be cool if he tweeted his reaction, wouldn’t it?

-

This is like a day without sunshine.

(Oh, wait, a quick glance outside at the gloom and drizzle shows that it is indeed a day without sunshine)

Anyway, what I mean is it’s the first night since the post-season began that there are no games.

Borrrrring.

-

It didn’t make the news up here, I don’t imagine, but there was a significant event in the world of grunt-dom yesterday when Jackie MacMullan of the Boston Globe won one of the Curt Gowdy Media awards handed out by the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Now, there is an awful lot wrong with the Hall’s various selection process – we don’t know who votes in each category, we don’t know the vote totals, the issues of transparency and accountability are sadly lacking – but who did the selecting on this one got it right.

I don’t know Jackie very well, we’ve only had a handful of conversations over the years, but I’ve been a fan for a very, very long time. When she was covering the beat in the heydays of the 80s, she was required reading whenever a guy could find a Boston Globe.

The most interesting thing in the story is the last quote, I think, the one about never having an issue with the NBA about access or support from the league office.

I take great pride as a guy who covers the game and the league in how fair and supportive the league has been over the years with female writers.

Yes, there are, and were, some idiot and childish players, no question about it, but if there ever was an issue, a woman could count on the league – and the other writers – to take up the cause.

Makes a fella proud.

-

I’m sure you’ve all read, or are aware of, the fact the Jays have to move a series against the Phillies in late June from Toronto to Philadelphia because of security concerns regarding the G20 Summit that’s being held – and suffocating – our fair city.

Not a bad idea, probably, although why they didn’t make the decision months ago is beyond me. It’s not like the summit, or the schedule, just popped up on the radar.

Anyway, it has no direct impact on me in the baseball vein of things (I may have gone to watch Roy Halladay pitch, I may not have) but it might impact my basketball world.

(And it’s all about me, right)

That’s because the NBA draft is June 24, two days before the summit starts. Now, I’m told we’ll likely still be able to get to the Air Canada Centre easily enough on draft day to do our work but the traditional Friday-after-the-draft media availability with whatever lucky soul gets taken by this storied franchise could be postponed until the following week.

And since the following week begins with June 28, that’s going to take away of breathless reporting on the July 1 fate of Chris Bosh. Aw, shucks.

-

Hey, let's get this started as we usually do on Wednesdays.

Click right here to start filling up the mailbag so I've got something to do over the next few days.

Write early, write often.

Comments

[Peter]

Is there any reason that the MLSE people can't do a media interview at another MLSE venue such as BMO field, or even Lakeshore Lion's arena? (or whatever it's called... the practice facility for the Leaves in Etobicoke?)

[RK]

Hey Doug. Here's a story for you. Last night during the BOS - CLE game, our local commentator (imagine that, we actually get treated to one live game a week here in Slovenia) was saying that he was talking to The Gangster on facebook. Apparently, The Gangster told him that Cleveland was going to win the next two games, since the league does not want Princess Jimmy (that would be LB) eliminated before the finals. Now I'm no fan of conspiracy theories, but it is a different thing to hear something like that from an active player (even though it is only mr. Brezec) rather than a rabid fan. Any thoughts/comments? Have you ever had a player say to you directly that a certain team is being favoured? Thanks and keep up the magnificent work; you have made the Slovenian basketball fans very proud with your comments.

Blogger's note: No disrespect but I think Primoz is drinking too much Conspiracy Kool-Aid.

[Parminder]

Doug,
The conspiracy kool aid may have some merit to it. It is not a surprise that the league changed the officiating to match the star swingmen of today.

Blogger's note: Tell me how they missed the magical Kobe-LeBron finals last year then? Conspiracy run amok?

[Dave, Cornwall, ON]

Doug:
I an visiting Virginia Beach. It will be 27 and Sunny here today. I will enjoy it with a yuengling or two before heading back home on Friday. If you lived near me, I could bring you back a 24.

I started watching the game last night and became disinterested after half time - not unlike James. He looked like he didn't care while playing or on the bench.

Maybe he has given up on Cleveland already.

I also think Boston will give Orlando a tougher battle than Cleveland would. Do you agree?

Blogger's note: Probably, yeah

[Jacques]

What are your thoughts on the new Russian owner in Jersey. They have about $23 million to spend this summer. Has there been any talk about LBJ,Wade,Bosh landing a job there?

Blogger's note: Sure, there's chatter because they'll be major players in free agency

[Peter]

Hi Doug,

The Celtics love to run that play where they set a series of screens along the baseline, and Ray Allen runs his man through a few of them before taking a wide open jump shot. I've seen other teams run the same play with their shooters as well. Unless the offensive player setting the screen is called for a moving screen, the defense seems to not have much chance on this play.

How can you defend it? Maybe rotating the last defender out on the shooter? But that's usually a big man, so then he's leaving his man open to roll to the rim.

Thanks Doug, keep up the great blog!

Blogger's note: I don't know for sure; fight through screens harder, switch? A few options I guess.

[Rog]

Hey Doug,

The general perception up till now is that Brandon Roy is the best player from the 2006 NBA draft. After watching Rondo play in this series, has he taken over that title. Makes you wonder how he fell to the 21st pick in the draft.

[Chi of Steel]

I haven't been following the Cavs-Celtics series too closely, but it doesn't surprise me that Ray Allen has been performing well. I was present at the TD Arena in Boston on Easter Sunday, and Allen totally abused Anthony Parker, being the game's scoring leader. During his time with the Raptors, it was pretty much the same thing... defensively sound, but often a step slow in guarding his man.

[Nick M]

Thought the game last night was very interesting to watch for the first 2 and a half quarters. Albeit through TV, there was a wierd feeling I got from the crowd it reminded me of a big fight crowd. Each team had their runs but Boston seemed to get the better of them most times. After each run the entire crowd seemed to be shocked and collectively murmured like the 'Champ' was getting stood up by a 'tomato can'. Later this shock turned to boos but, like I said, for the first 2 and a half quarters the crowd's reactions were very interesting.

[doug]

what confused me about last nights game was this...the cavs were up 29-21, then the celts went on a 18-0 run or something like that....during that time LeBron never even tried to assert himself, you can't pick and choose when you as the marquee player are going to even to try and make a statement or a difference, the game dictates it....if that was Kobe, or Wade they would have tried...there are nights when as a player you have it, there are nights when you don't, on the nights when you don't those are the nights that make a true champion, you battle, you perservere do what it takes, even if its not enough....I always felt LeBron was lacking in leadership qualities, as he doesn't make the players around him better, or lead by example...Nash the last game lead by example...and Kobe, Wade,MJ hate to lose, it stokes the fire inside of them, its what drives them...LeBron doesn't hate to lose,he just doesn't like to lose there's a huge difference.. he has a me mentality, he needs to be coached, as Kobe was to realize to talk team is one thing, to believe it and truly understand it is another....yes Phil had both MJ and Kobe but don't think for a second it's a coincidence there 2 of the best of all time...Phil didn't/won't let them settle, be complacent, Mike Brown doesn't challenge LeBron to see past his raw talent, and see the big picture...jamison, Shaq etc. are just being wasted in their scheme...they may well win the next 2 games, but still Lebron needs to grow and learn and be challenged...

[BDG]

hey it's my birthday...sunny day all around :D

[kazbid]

nice analysis of CLE, completely agree. LBJ's good but that team laid an egg last night and that's the 2nd time this series they've been a no-show (although Boston was a no-show in game 3).

If LBJ leaves and I believe Shaq comes off the books then CLE has a hefty sum of money to throw at free agents this off season as well? or because they're over the cap, will they not have as much money free as they have coming off in LBJ and shaqs contracts?

kinda feel bad for em with a core of mo williams and jamison remaining if LBJ leaves. I would think he kinda owes it to CLE to stay, they've been over the cap for 4-5 years now trying to build a team for LBJ.

[BLT]

Any sense on whether all that time Mike Brown gave his starters off at the end of the season has impacted their play? It killed any momentum they had. Its not he first time this has happened in professional sports. It takes time to get back up to speed and in synch.

[Jarome]

Hey Doug,

You think LBJ just had a bad night or do you think the Celts exposed a lack of a mid-range game by playing off him and clogging up the lanes? Not saying LBJ doesn't have mid-range ability, but do you see any lack of consistency with it and room for improvement?

[GM]

I would think that the Cavs losing would make LeBron want to stay in Cleveland more because of the unfinished business. This thing of superstars changing teams really is relatively recent, isn't it? When Jordan was losing in Chicago, you never heard about him grumbling to get out. The only time a superstar would consider bolting would be when his team was out of the playoffs for a few seasons and hopeless. I can't imagine James getting even more popular playing in a big market. My prediction is he stays.

[Mike kovacs]

Remember when LBJ wanted everyone to retire #23 and he will change to another number? ( I forget which one but it also has very notable history ). I think this may be karma catching up. LBJ forgets that to be a legend you first have to win the big games. He has worried too much that people will always think of #23 with MJ rather than him but if he doesn't pull this series out until he fixes this in the future the numbers won't matter!

[Alan C]

Doug, good article today on the Magic, but the first two paragraphs were great.

[Nick]

I have always been a fan of Bosh, and will continue to be no matter what happens on July 1st. But after watching some of the best teams duke it out in the playoffs, it became pretty apparent that it takes more than one guy, no matter HOW good, to win consistently. Now Toronto has had trouble winning (particularly in the playoffs) over the last few years, with Bosh signed on for significantly less than what he would be getting on his next deal. Do we really think that we will be able to turn it around now, with him eating up a third of the payroll?

Doug, do you ever wonder if maybe Colangelo actually doesn't value bosh at the max? And maybe is more interested in S&Ting him for expiring contracts? Obviously its not something BC would ever come out and say for a number of reasons, but he's a smart guy, and surely he'll think twice before dealing that kind of money...to anyone.

[Matt M]

Just for those who consider Raptor fans unique when the rip Bosh for not being able to carry the team on his back to sixty win seasons.
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/15845/forget-lebron-whats-wrong-with-cleveland-fans
For those critics of Lebron who might state that 'Kobe would never have let last night happen' or some such thing let's not forget that a Kobe led team lost to the Phoenix Suns after leading 3 games to 1. Kobe can be forgiven since he was on a team without a second legitimate all star. Seems that is exactly where the Cavs are right now. A team without that second player to put them over the top when it matters the most.

[Phil]

The booing of Lebron last night, by the people of Cleveland, may be symptomatic of the reaction that is growing in the fan base that the Lebron/Bosh/Wade/etc. mode of doing business, one that professes absolutely no loyalty to their current situation, is not that popular. I suppose one can't blame them if ownership is just as fickle as they are, but I'm not sure that is the case. For example, the Raptors aren't openly advertising the fact that they may have absolutely no interest in Bosh. It is hard to say if ownership feels any loyalty to their players They certainly seem loyal to their core. I think more is expected of star players than just seeing them get exactly everything they want, going anywhere they want, when they want. The people in Cleveland are letting this new breed of big star free agents know what they think, in the place where the stars ought to be getting the most respect.

[samuel]

On NJ and free agency.

I think that's by far the best place for Bosh. Seeing it from Bosh's angle, here's team that did absolute bad last year. So any improvement would give him a lot of credit. And Bosh has been yearning for some of that. He didn't make it to any of NBA's 1st, second, or third team. That must definitely hurt.
Also the team's got all the right pieces for a power forward of his style to flourish. They have a very talented and sought-after PG in Harris. Courtney Lee is another star-in-themaking. Tehy alsohave a good solid, up-and-coming centre in Lopez... and enough money in the bank to sign and add the other pieces alongwith Bosh.
Not to mention a legit chance of a top 3 pick in this year's draft.

[Rob.V]

You know, if the Cavs' lose the series I honestly think coach Brown will be shown the door. Ownership has spent well into the tax, and the GM has brought in ample ammunition for the Cavs to make a legitimate run. If the plan fails, whether it's rightly or wrongly deserved... it's on Brown.

I don't often agree with Chuck but I think he might be right in what he's been saying for about 3 years now... Cav's are too slow. Boston can be scored upon however once their defence is set, it's awfully tough! As much as I've always loved Shaq as a player and would love to see him beat Kobe he's on the green of the 18th hole (it's almost over). The Cav's should move to an up tempo with Varejao and Hickson to get things moving. That offence needs a jump start in the worst way.

U guess we'll see what happens tomorrow night.

[J]

Nick:
"And maybe is more interested in S&Ting him for expiring contracts?"

Why would BC S&T Bosh for expiring contracts? Simply letting Bosh walk would have the same effect on payroll, only its impact would be felt this off-season and not next.

[JJ]

They are too slow. Chuck's right on this one, but he's missed on a lot in these playoffs. Varejao and Hickson played really well before Z and Shaq came back. I thought they would have trouble figuring out which bigs to play. I just didn't think they could lose to the Celts.

That was a weird game. Maybe we'll get the real scoop after the series is over.

[emoney]

I like Kobe more then LeBron because Kobe is all about business. LeBron throws dust in the air and makes himself into a big show. He's too gimmicky and he isn't showing up as of late. Not to mention that Kobe is way more clutch when needed then LBJ.....Like you said, Kobe would never lose on his home floor in the playoffs 2ce by 20 points. AGREED!