LBJ's letdown off game 4 was as predictable as it was inevitable. He's still no Jordan yet. Gibson pulled one out of his ass, now he's in the position of a letdown. Its simply the realm of fantasy to expect either to do what each has done in 1 of the last 2 games, for 4 combined games against a team like the Spurs, when in fact thats exactly what they'd have to do to win this series. James notching 4 x 40+ games against the Spurs? Gibson going bananas for the same? not happening in my book.
As for CLE's regular season success against the Spurs, 2nd game of the season in a B2B situation (CLE off a days rest) after having a huge game in Dallas the night before? I think I can understand the Spurs taking the Cavs lightly. As for their loss on the road, they also lost to Minnesota the next night, those games coming on the heels of a 12-3 run, part of a 3 straight losses set. No team can sustain form forever, CLE caught them at the right time (as did that great team Minnesota).
Spurs had CLE at home in their 2nd game last season, too, but it wasnt on a B2B off Dallas. The difference? They won by 26 points. Ahh theres the real Spurs. They did lose to CLE in CLE that season as well, but only after going 13-1 their previous 14 games playing in a B2B situation, oh and they lost to Philadelphia in their following game, as well. Thats almost exactly this seasons scenario repeated - long period of form finally giving way to a letdown in that form, proven by losing to an even worse team in their next game (Minny/Philly) after Cleveland.
However, I do think CLE's home regular season wins these past 2 seasons are enough to believe they will get a couple of home wins this series given the format. If the Spurs go up 2-0 I can see them being satisfied to win the solitary road game, and then rest on winning 1 of their last 2 home games to win it all.
Outside of Hamilton, Detroit didnt show yesterday. A rather pathetic ending by the number 1 seed.
