Lebron Steps Up, But To No Avail

Friday, May 25, 2007


This is probably going to start another debate today, but I still think this is a better play than the Marshall 3. That's just me though. I guess there's a small difference in the fact that there was a one point lead tonight instead of two. Either way....I'm still taking the percentages in the Eastern Conference Finals.


Couple of other notes/questions:

1. If anyone heard why Ernie wasn't on the telecast please leave the reason in the comments.
2. How does Larry Hughes miss that shot?
3. Mike Brown is a terrible Coach. You CANNOT get a technical in that situation. I understand you're pissed, but save it until after the game.
4. Cavs fans....that was not a foul on Lebron. You just can't call that.
5. Cavs fans....the WAS an offensive foul by Rasheed on Varejao (and a shoving foul after Lebron missed the shot.)
6. That 'Sheed shot was ridiculous.
7. Do you think if Chauncey Billups was on the Cavs, and Lebron was on the Pistons...Cleveland would be up 2-0?
8. Doug Collins is quieter in a three-man booth. There might be something to this.

Video Evidence: Lebron is Scared (Awful Announcing)

36 Comments:

1. Ernie was at his Daughter's graduation
2. Because he's friends with Nelly
3. Agreed
4. Agreed
5. Indifferent
6. Need4Sheed.com
7. No...let's be serious...
8. There is nothing quiet about Collins' hair...someone needs to tell him that his head looks like a dirty Q-Tip...

www.badchoicemilk.blogspot.com

Shorty said...
May 25, 2007, 12:53:00 AM  

Poor LeBron.

Killed in game one because he fed the final shot off to someone else.

Killed in this game for taking the final shot himself.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 2:36:00 AM  

Couldn't agree more that it wasn't a foul on LeBron's horrible attempt at a game-winner. Hughes should be shot if I live in Cleveland (joking). How much is he making? And he can't make a 7 footer?

I noticed some irony though... in BOTH games the game ended with Hamilton missing the second of two FT's, Varejao tossing it full court as time expires, and the Pistons winning 79-76. This was amusing to me...

BD said...
May 25, 2007, 3:49:00 AM  

how does mike brown get a tech there also hughes is so overpayed.

lebron shot he missed none should blame him for this and game 1, (pick one to blame him for).

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 7:01:00 AM  

Sure, it was a foul on 'Sheed, but Varejao flops so much that him hitting the ground has no meaning whatsoever anymore.

A.T. Bianchi said...
May 25, 2007, 8:00:00 AM  

Right on Albert. These European pussies need to realize this isn't frickin' soccer. Grow a sack, man up and play!

May 25, 2007, 9:21:00 AM  

Yes, I know Varejao is Brazilian. No need to point out my geographical blunder. I should've said international players.

May 25, 2007, 9:23:00 AM  

From True Hoop....

I haven't yet heard from anyone who does not think LeBron James was fouled on that last play. And ordinarily I'd respond with the idea that in the playoffs it's just wrong to expect referees to make game-changing calls when they so frequently "let them play" in big moments. But then people always come back with the way Dwyane Wade was treated in the playoffs last year, and the whole thing just gets ugly from there.

Here's the thing...you can't fault these refs because if anything they were consistent. They let them play at the end of the game. The Pistons knew this and took advantage of the situation. It sucks for the Cavs that that was the case, but they have no one to blame for their collapse but themselves.

Also, great point about Varejao...he's not falling over if he doesn't want to.

May 25, 2007, 9:37:00 AM  

How could you not think Lebron got fouled? Not only was he fouled, he was fouled a solid three or four times. When they asked Rip if it was a foul after the game, Rip started laughing and sarcastically said "I put my hands up". That was an obvious foul call. Especially after that close no-call on Sheed (which I don't think was a foul, just some physical play on the box). The thing about flopping, say what you will, is that it can be very convincing or at least confusing, and makes it tough to see the actual live physical contact oibjectively.

Sheed is the man though, and he earned the win more than anyone.

And the Cavs scoring 26 points in the second half? they screwed themselves more than the refs screwed them.

Sullivan said...
May 25, 2007, 9:39:00 AM  

Sully- The only time he was fouled was maybe the original contact with the body. Sorry, but that's not getting called.

I think the main thing is that he wasn't fouled when he let the ball go, and that's what they are looking for in that situation.

May 25, 2007, 9:46:00 AM  

From the mouth of Sheed...

Wallace didn't feel he needed fortune, however, to avoid getting called for a push-off foul against Varejao before making his go-ahead shot.

"All that flopping, they need to make that a technical foul for next year," he said. "That's not defense in the fourth quarter and I'm glad we have veteran officials to see that."

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 10:05:00 AM  

As a Cavs diehard, I just went outside and sat on my deck in silence for a solid 30 mintues. The Cavs have controlled both games in the series and are down 0-2.

I don't know what else they can do, I'm befuddled. This is how they win and they're just coming up short.

I like that the refs are letting them play, but you have to call one of the two as fouls (Rasheed nailing AV or LeBron's shot). You absolutely have to.

Is it a big deal that Mike Brown got T'ed up with 1 second left and the Cavs having no timeouts??? No, it isn't at all. The game was over and the refs needed to know that they tanked the last 30 seconds of the game.

The games may not feature much offense, but it is WAY more interesting than the West Finals.

GMoney said...
May 25, 2007, 10:11:00 AM  

Not only do I wonder why Larry Hughes didn't make that shot, I wonder why he decided to fade away for no apparent reason.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 10:12:00 AM  

"Do you think if Chauncey Billups was on the Cavs, and Lebron was on the Pistons...Cleveland would be up 2-0?"

No. If they had Chauncey instead of Lebron, they wouldn't have been within 1 or 2 points at the end of these games. They would have lost by 10 or 20. Hell, they might not be in the playoffs.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 10:19:00 AM  

Blame the 0-5 FGs to close the 4th quarter, the 5 straight turnovers, and the poorly crafted offense of 'Isoing LeBron at the top of the key over and over and have everyone stay home' You'd think Cavs would figure out that the Pistons are a pretty good Defensive team (which is aided by refs no calling the clear contact on opponents driving the ball. You can smack people arms and hold like they did Donyell Marshall we got they last rebound to set up the final Cavs possession.)

Blame Larry Hughes for stealing money and not showing up. I can totally sympathize that he may be experiencing a lot of grief, but true ball players find the court to be a release. Larry doesn't look like he love Bball, he just does it.

I blame LeBron for one thing. Lack of consistent agression. The first quarter was what he needed to do all game. He spent way to much energy and focus on the last play complaining about not getting the call then dialing in and following up his miss. He didn't even go for the rebound. The shows me that he isn't a fighter. he is a professional basketball player, very talented, and well worth the fanfare, but He isn't the type willing to do anything to win.

Think of the games greatest competitors. They don't cry they get up and fight through till the end. LeBron shouldn't even Recognize Rip is playing defense on him. His eyes should have been lite up to not see Tayshaun. Instead of taking a sideways fadeaway he should have went over or through Rip and put pressure on refs. If they are going to call Rip for slapping his arms during the drive, they shouldn't call LeBron for beasting Rip down low.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 10:37:00 AM  

Heh. Sure it's ridiculous to ask "If the Cavs had Billups and the Pistons had LeBron...", but not ridiculous at all to ask "If the Cavs had Billups instead of Hughes..."

In that case...dang, the Cavs might even have rings already, because Chauncey is EXACTLY what the Cavs NEED and don't have in Hughes...a good ballhandler, distributor and a guy who can make shots, especially in the clutch. I can hardly thing of a more opposite description to Hughes.

Unknown said...
May 25, 2007, 11:04:00 AM  

Get off Lebron. He is the best example of players out of High school being ill equipped for the Pro game. I'm seeing no back to the basket post game. No left and right hand jump hooks. No mid-range game. He is a typical right out of high school player...All 3 pointers and dunks. If he ever puts those moves in his game, it's OVER for all those fools.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 11:07:00 AM  

When LeBron picks up his dribble his foot slides before the shot. How could the refs miss a traveling call???????

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 11:08:00 AM  

Bottom line, LeBron might not have what it takes to lead his team to the promise land, at least not yet.

Unknown said...
May 25, 2007, 11:10:00 AM  

bd, it was Chauncey Billups missing the free throw in game 1 before Varejao tossed the ball.

Also, why are we blaming LeBron for the final seconds? Look at the video, who is going to pass to? If anyone we should blame is Larry Hughes for missing a point blank jumper that would've won the game? The one thing however that hasn't been pointed out (and likely the only thing Lebron should be blamed for in the clutch), is how huge was the missed free throw by Lebron when the game was tied at 75-75?

TJX said...
May 25, 2007, 11:48:00 AM  

I like what Sjeed said. Varejo was flopping all night long. He deserved an oscar. And then he had the gaul to whine when he was called for a true charge? He needs to grow up and play like a man (NBA style).

The NHL has a rule that they will call a foul for a player trying to fake a charge, hook, high stick, clip, etc. That cleaned up the BS floppers really quick and made the game better.

Varejo wants to flop... he can move to Hollywood.

As for Lebron and the Cav's fans... a win is a win, and a loss is a loss, no matter how good your teamed played.... they Lost.

Not to mention, Detroit has played horrible. If this is any sign, Cleavland better be ready for a whipping of the likes that Detroit put on the Bulls when they bring their "A" game to Cleavland.

Detroit in 4 and San Antonio in 4.

Then Detroit delivers pay back to SA in 5 games.

DETROIT B A S K E T B A L L!

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 1:27:00 PM  

Chip Wesley, you know AV is Brazilian... Too bad you do not know Brazil is not in Europe... Well, there is only USA and ... others after all... Another proof of the "outstanding" education served to people in this country !

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 1:29:00 PM  

I'm from C-Town.

I honestly think it was a foul, I think Andy flopped. But the Cavs lost, plain and simple. What would have happened if they did call a foul? Would LeBron have made both FT's? who knows. What if Hughes did a pump fake and took it to the hoop. would that shot have gone in for sure? what if Z was down low and tipped it instead of Andy? too many what if's.

I don't see my Cavs winning this series, but I do see LeBron carrying them to at least 2 wins, both in C town.

I know a lot of people have said Detroit hasn't played their best, but I think you can attribute that to Cavs D as well. Cleveland has played porrly too, but mainly in the 2nd half.. Oh well, we'll do better once we get a better PG and get rid of Hughes, the biggest bust in Cavs history

Maybe Danny Ferry signed Hughes cuz he knew if he did he'd erase his own title of "cavs biggest bust ever"

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 1:51:00 PM  

Anyone that doesn't beleive that Lebron was fowled simply should either see the video again or see an eye doctor. Additionally, there were easily 5 cavs posessions in the 4th quarter where shooting fowls went uncalled, while they were getting touch fowls called against them on the other end of the court. I am surprised that more has not been made of the refs over the whole second half. I'm all for letting them play, but call it the same both ways.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 1:55:00 PM  

Anon...Chip corrected himself...can you not read? Anyways, I think that I have had a good education so far. I also think that anyone is to blame for the Cavs losing. You could say that if any other shot earlier on in the game was made...that they would have won...don't blame it on the last few seconds.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 1:59:00 PM  

the game was actually lost when cleveland was up by one and lebron did the EXACT same thing that lost him game 1, except this time he passed to sasha instead of donyell. he should have shot the ball in that instance instead of passing it to a man named sasha.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 2:22:00 PM  

LeBron should not even be allowed in the NBA apparently. I love how all the people that bitch about how the NBA sucks and it's boring, all of a sudden have an opinion on what LeBron James should have done with the ball. Keep giving him tips, I'm sure he'll listen.

I don't know how anyone outside of Michigan could be rooting for Detroit in this series.

GMoney said...
May 25, 2007, 4:10:00 PM  

Just obvious fouls on both ends, one by Wallace then about three by Hamilton. The sad thing is that this series wouldn't be close if the Cavs had more competent coaching on offense or at least a consistent point guard. What I don't understand is all the LeBron bashing, not just here but everywhere. Do people notice that he completely dominates the way the Pistons play defense? It's not because he's overrated. In four years he has done nothing but take the Cavs closer and closer to the finals. Yes, there are things he needs to improve, and he will, but look at the big picture and try to find one backward step. You can't.

BillBow Baggins said...
May 25, 2007, 4:45:00 PM  

LeBron did travel.

LeBron was fouled...you can clearly see as he brings the ball up (the slo-mo portion of the video, with ~48 seconds remaining in the video) the Rip hits him across the forearm, which substantially affects his shot. That is definitely a foul, no matter how they called the rest of the game.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 5:02:00 PM  

Wow, LeBron was totally out of control and threw up a HORRIBLE shot, he didn't deserve a foul call. And regardless, Hughes missed a bunny to win the game. If there was any justice in the world, Veraflop would have gotten a T for that pathetic Oscar dislplay of his on the earlier play with Sheed. Floppers are the worst.

I love LeBron, but come on, again, they had plently of chances to win the game but dude throws up a turn around brick? Try actually going to the hole, LeBron, and not throwing up a prayer and hoping for the refs to bail you out next time.

Dude is 22, he'll learn. But right now, he just ain't a superstar.

Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 5:52:00 PM  

and draw an offensive foul anon 2:52? Look at that video, where is he going to drive?

TJX said...
May 25, 2007, 6:02:00 PM  

i understand all the arguments and all.

How is Mike Brown getting a technical foul there wrong?

Please explain to me that the pistons are up by 1, have 2 free throws coming, 1 second left and with no timeout. Even if pistons make both, you inbound with no timeout and give full court lob anyway?

Someone please tell me if im wrong? Lack of timeouts makes that fact irrelevant. Brown needs to use timeouts efficiently.

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May 25, 2007, 6:53:00 PM  

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Anonymous said...
May 25, 2007, 9:09:00 PM  

first, if you don't think Lebron was fouled on the last play, you're a moron. second, if you don't think LBJ was fouled at least three times from the beginning of his drive to the shot, you're just blind. James knew it. 20,000 Pistons fans at the game knew it. Rip knew it (he couldn't even keep a straight face when asked about it later). and Mike Brown knew it. Can you really blame Brown for losing his mind. On the play before, Varejao was tossed by Sheed, and that was clear to everyone too. if i was Brown, I would have gotten ejected and suspended because I'd have pulled a Spree on the closest ref. the NBA should be ashamed of how that game ended, and the refs should join Crawford and hang them up for the year. How do all three guys miss this?

Anonymous said...
May 26, 2007, 5:15:00 AM  

GMoney said, "I don't know how anyone outside of Michigan could be rooting for Detroit in this series." Heh heh... is all I got to say. I guess when you say outside of Michigan, the only place outside is Ohio, which would make sense to just you.

I watched the game in San Jose, California, and about 90% were rooting for the Pisonts. It's called "R E S P E C T" that they have for a team that has already proven itself.

The Cavs are trying to do that, but will never ever ever do it whining about officiating. If you look at the Spurs Pistons finals, the Pistons lost when they whined and whined about the so-called raking across the forearm (ticky tack) or the little hand in the back shove (also ticky tack). LeBron is is a hell of a lot strong than the stick Hamilton, and if he wasn't such a child still he would have taken it up strong and to the hole like a man.

Obviously he's shown the entire world that he still has a lot of growing up to do.

Oh, and BTW, the Warrior fans also thought that it WAS NOT a foul either by Hamilton or Sheed.

Also, if Sheed was jawing at the ref like Lebron was after the last call, he would have gotten an immediate T.

So, enough of the, "oh, it's not fair."

Lebron lost the game... plain and simple, and if you can't see that, then you need a real lesson in real NBA basketball.

Anonymous said...
May 27, 2007, 1:07:00 AM  

"Also, if Sheed was jawing at the ref like Lebron was after the last call, he would have gotten an immediate T."

that is because sheed is a P.O.S. He gets suspended at least once every year for exceeding the tech limit

Anonymous said...
May 28, 2007, 12:32:00 PM  

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