12/21/24
May 27, 2009
Orlando Magic Take 3-1 Series Lead Over Cleveland Cavaliers: At Orlando's Amway Arena, the multi-level basketball of the Orlando Magic pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers one game from elimination with a 116-114 overtime win. LeBron James scored 44 but played the entire second half and overtime and had eight turnovers. "The defensive strategy for most of the series has been for James to begin by covering Orlando point guard Rafer Alston, then leave him to help on defense with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis or Hedu Turkoglu," writes Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto. "Three words: It's not working!"
posted by rcade to basketball at 09:11 AM - 11 comments
TrueHoop had this comment about the game:
In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Hedo Turkoglu was called for a travel. Slow motion instant replay reveals Turkoglu gathered his dribble as he stepped onto his right foot. He then stepped onto his left foot, launched, and shot. Not a travel. (Well it is by the rulebook, but not the way NBA referees are instructed to call it, and you see it dozens of times a game.)I don't understand how traveling is called any more. Are they giving players one step to gather the ball, one step to move, and one step to launch? If I tried that move as a kid I would've been whistled every time. When did this change?
posted by rcade at 09:48 AM on May 27, 2009
The Non-LeBrons definitely need to step up, but the Cavs didn't get outplayed last night. This series could easily be 3-1 the other direction. These teams are so close they remind me of how the Spurs and Mavs played in the Western finals a few years ago. The Mavs had to win that one in seven games, and it was down to the final seconds.
posted by rcade at 09:52 AM on May 27, 2009
I've heard sports commenters talk about how tha Cavs are loosing becase LBJ isn't being the regular-season distributor we've seen...I disagree and he has been distributing, but sees his teammates are not longer making shots they had so has to take it upon himself to score.
I totally agree with that. LeBron has been making pass after pass to his wide open teammates but their shots just aren't dropping. LeBron is one hell of a passer but if his guys aren't making their shots, he's not getting the assist regardless of how great of a pass it may be. Mo Williams was LeBron's Scottie Pippen in the regular season but in the playoffs, he's more like Ron Harper...just tagging along for the ride.
posted by BornIcon at 09:56 AM on May 27, 2009
The three dunks by Howard in OT were a nice touch. I think the Magic are keeping the Cavs in this because they play spotty. The one game that the Cavs have won this whole series, Lebron scored with one second left. The Magic just look like the better team. The Magic have a lot more scoring options which is causing all kinds of trouble for the Cavs.
posted by bperk at 10:18 AM on May 27, 2009
I would love to see Orlando VS Denver in the finals! I know the league, the networks, Vegas, & "Band Wagon fans" everywere would be hurt, but the NBA needs to be more about the game & less about the hype and the money. It would be a nice change.
posted by bo_fan at 11:05 AM on May 27, 2009
Ilgauskas very casually makes just about every doofy looking flat footed ugly release shot he throws up, and his free throws too.
Even though it's not pretty or athletic looking, they should give him a few more looks a game.
I think West is playing more minutes than even LeBron. They need to pace him more so he can do his fearless thing late in the game. In a 1 point game, West could be the difference maker, especially if the D is set up to stop LeBron first.
Some of the Cavs just look like they're wound too tight out there. It's hurting their flow.
I too would like to see a Lucky Charms final (Magic Nuggets). I get a bit bored when teams have an all world go-to guy like LeBron or Kobe. I'd rather see a rotation of guys take turns stepping up and taking care of business.
Plus I really don't care to watch Gasol and Ilgauskas any more than I have to. Just not something I'm interested in - any more than I ever wanted to watch Rik Smits, etc.
posted by beaverboard at 11:22 AM on May 27, 2009
they should give him a few more looks a game.
It'd be nice if some of those looks came from inside the paint instead of outside the 3 point line.
posted by yerfatma at 11:30 AM on May 27, 2009
Just not something I'm interested in - any more than I ever wanted to watch Rik Smits, etc.
I think I just threw up in my mouth after reading that damn Rik Smits comment. My God he was just brutal to watch when he played with the Pacers.
posted by BornIcon at 11:45 AM on May 27, 2009
Between 3 Russians up for the Hart Trophy, and the real prospect of a Nuggets/Magic Final, who's spitting more blood, Stern or Bettman? Mwahahahahahahahaha...
posted by MeatSaber at 06:56 PM on May 27, 2009
It'd be nice if some of those looks came from inside the paint instead of outside the 3 point line.
Yea, I seriously don't get that. He's not the worst 3-pt shooter ever, but during the regular season, he shot from around 15-17ft out on a normal basis and has already been noted, made it a lot. Not driving or moving...Just chilling there, and make the open dish from others. Now, he's just been stationing himself wayyyy outside. Makes little sense to this casual basketball watcher.
Between 3 Russians up for the Hart Trophy, and the real prospect of a Nuggets/Magic Final, who's spitting more blood, Stern or Bettman?
Bettman won't mind having Detroit (great fan base...well, currently game 5 OT so don't write it in stone yet) and Pens (Sid the kid) in the finals.
posted by jmd82 at 10:08 PM on May 27, 2009
It would also help if LeBron's teammates stepped up. I watched most the second half and some of the other games, and while they made some shots here and there, so many shots were missed that they had been making. I've heard sports commenters talk about how tha Cavs are loosing becase LBJ isn't being the regular-season distributor we've seen...I disagree and he has been distributing, but sees his teammates are not longer making shots they had so has to take it upon himself to score.