It was gratifying to see the Washington Wizards self-destruct Monday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After all their trash talk prior to the series, which including discussion of LeShawn Stephenson's now infamous "James is overrated" quote, the 30 point blow out was a just dessert.
The Cleveland fans finally got a glimpse of what GM Danny Ferry had in mind when he made the trade for Wallace, Smith, West, and Szczerbiak. The Cavs are still missing Pavlovich from the lineup and his stand-in, Devon Brown, is a great hustler, gives some production, but will do things that makes one cringe. Of course it's looks easy when shots of the other players, besides Lebron, are falling.
Thursday's game will see Washington back in the comforts of home. Can they regroup? And was the Cavaliers' bench bunch's showing Monday night just a tease?
I can think of nothing better than watching a team that talked smack get housed. The "overrated" James outscored Arenas, Jamison and Butler combined and was one rebound away from his 3rd career playoff triple double.
They should definitely take care of business in this series as Lebron absolutely owns the Wizards in every way, shape, and form.
With that bench though, I think they'll be in trouble against Boston. Lebron should win a game, maybe two by himself but I think last night's play by the bench is going to be the exception rather than the rule.
A well played game defensively by the Cavaliers to close it out. Actually I have to question the Wizard's offensive schemes also. They seemed to go away from what worked for them at other times. But mostly it was the defensive schemes AND the players (LIKE BEN WALLACE) who made the double teams and switching work for the Cavaliers. Wally Sczerbiak of course had a great offensive game but he wasn't too bad defensively either, playing smart basketball. One unsung hero was Joe Smith who was a warrior out there in the paint. He got the minutes that Varajao, who has really struggled in this series, would normally play. It was far and away his best game. Wally and Joe must do this consistently for the Cavaliers to get where they want to go.
Then there was an incredibly focused Lebron James and another playoff triple double. It was a sight to see him commit hard fouls and then help the fouled Wizard player get up off the floor. In another case where he received a hard, but clean foul, by Jameson, he gave him a pat on the back. I think he was sending a message about hard fouls but staying professional about it. Very interesting stuff in light of what had gone on in the first five games.
Mike's Brown's best coaching move was keeping Devon Brown on the bench. Thank you, Coach.
Now the Cavaliers await the Boston Celtics, eh.....maybe not!
A well played game defensively by the Cavaliers to close it out. Actually I have to question the Wizard's offensive schemes also. They seemed to go away from what worked for them at other times. But mostly it was the defensive schemes AND the players (LIKE BEN WALLACE) who made the double teams and switching work for the Cavaliers. Wally Sczerbiak of course had a great offensive game but he wasn't too bad defensively either, playing smart basketball. One unsung hero was Joe Smith who was a warrior out there in the paint. He got the minutes that Varajao, who has really struggled in this series, would normally play. It was far and away his best game. Wally and Joe must do this consistently for the Cavaliers to get where they want to go.
Then there was an incredibly focused Lebron James and another playoff triple double. It was a sight to see him commit hard fouls and then help the fouled Wizard player get up off the floor. In another case where he received a hard, but clean foul, by Jameson, he gave him a pat on the back. I think he was sending a message about hard fouls but staying professional about it. Very interesting stuff in light of what had gone on in the first five games.
Mike's Brown's best coaching move was keeping Devon Brown on the bench. Thank you, Coach.
Now the Cavaliers await the Boston Celtics, eh.....maybe not!
Anderson V just flat out sucks against the Wizards. Loved the D of the Cavs last night, Mike Brown must have been pleased. Bring on Boston, they're looking more beatable than ever.
Wizards play doesn't match their mouths 
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