LeBron James Flows “Forever,” Cavs Drop Lakers 93-87
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Cavaliers | Comments: 36
As he has often done in the past, LeBron James took the Cavaliers on his back and put on one of the best shows that NBA fans have seen in quite some time. With the big ticket Los Angeles Lakers coming to town and both teams owning 32 wins, James converted key possessions and led the Cavs to a 93-87 win – sweeping the Lakers series for the season and sending Kobe Bryant home to question his team’s toughness.
“The mentality has to change a little bit playing against these teams,” Bryant said. “These teams are physical, tough-minded, hard-nosed types of teams. That’s not part of our DNA. We have to step up and match that and still play skillful basketball.”
Skillful basketball it was. James finished with 37 points (13-25 shooting), nine rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot. Bryant, on the other hand, scored 31 but needed 31 shots to get there as he was a woeful 4-15 in the second half. James took the opposite side of the coin by rattling off 12 straight points during a huge stretch in the fourth quarter.
On the cover, it was looking to be a bleak result on a national stage. The LeBron-Kobe rematch, the Lakers wanting revenge after being embarrassed in their own home, Mo Williams’ shoulder injury… Many said “Now the Cavaliers have an excuse.”
Not needed. Not last night.
The Lakers storm out to an early lead, the Cavaliers find nothing but iron and are being out-hustled on every rebound. But that was early on. Very early on. From the second quarter on, the Lakers-Cavs contest was one of the best basketball games of the season. It was one of those games, especially in the fourth quarter, where it seemed like the teams were simply exchanging shots. Delonte West hits a three, Lakers come right back and drain one of their own. LeBron drains a jumper, Kobe Bryant comes right back and does the same thing.
But here’s the thing – the Lakers were held under 90 points on the night. They average 103.5 points per game. The Cavaliers held L.A. to a field goal mark of 39 percent – and 33 percent in the final three quarters. The Lake show compounded their issues by shooting only 15-24 from the free throw line including two huge misses by Pau Gasol that could have tied the game.
Following the missed free throws, the Cavaliers were fouled and took the ball out of bounds where the Lakers would again foul to send the Cavs to the free throw line while up two points. While there were plenty of in-game moments that helped aid this win, it was the moment where James awaited the inbound pass and was so energized that he decided to rip off an entire verse of “Forever.”
This is most excellent for a bevy of reasons. One, the track is the lead single off of the “More than a Game” soundtrack. Two, the Eminem verse in said song – the one that James is rattling off – may be the best verse in any hip-hop song from 2009 (with apologies to Lil’ Wayne, who was sitting courtside). And three, the crowd was absolutely loving it; James had that look. The one where where his team is only up by a few points, against the best teams in the NBA, and he isn’t nervous in the least. He knew what his team had to do – and what he had to do – to bring home the win. And he did just that.
While it will be James’ totals that stand out in the box score, he was not alone in this win. JJ Hickson had one of his best games with the Cavaliers, finishing with 11 points, career-high 14 rebounds and a team-high +6 on the night.
That mark is shared with Delonte West who was forced to play nearly 43 minutes of basketball with the absence of Mo Williams. While West did not do much in terms of scoring, he was relatively mistake free and added four rebounds, three assists, a huge late-game three-pointer and two of the best defensive plays of night by blocking a Shannon Brown jump shot with the Lakers up one with six minutes left and coming up with a loose ball about one minute later. He reportedly injured his finger in this one, but managed to make it out to the afterparty at the Barley House. I’m sure there will be more on this in the coming days.
Shaquille O’Neal went for 13 points (3-4 FT!) and six rebounds with much of his produccioncoming in the second half. His biggest impact, however, may have been neutralizing the Laker bigs as both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum experienced fould trouble for much of the night. And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Anderson Varejao’s 11 points, eight rebounds and three huge free throws to end the game.
Phil Jackson may not have been happy that Ron Artest was called for a foul at that stage in the game. Simple solution: Don’t foul at that stage in the game.
As it stands, the Los Angeles Lakers are 5-7 against the top 10 teams in the NBA. Before last night, the Cavaliers had wonmore road games than the Los Angles Lakers had even played. As it was mentioned repeatedlyfor LA, the loss to the Cavaliers is the first game of an eight-game road trip that will also findthem matching up with the Boston Celtics before games against Denver, Portland, San Antonio, Utah and again versus the Celtics.
The Cavaliers will welcome yet another superstar into their house with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kevin Durant coming to town on Saturday.
**
What are other’s saying?
One thing is certain, this has the potential for a great NBA Finals matchup. That is what it will take for the Cavaliers and Lakers to meet again, and what a meeting it could be. The two teams didn’t play a beautiful game Thursday night, but it was every bit the playoff-style war expected when the top two teams in the league square off. – Brian Windhorst
“I find the Cavs’ sweep of the Lakers — beating L.A. on Christmas Day and, again, last night — to be less than revealing. Let’s see Cleveland do it in June, when it actually counts.” – Dan Shanoff
“Clearly, this was LeBron in his element. When the outcome was decided, he was right back to entertaining and preening, pumping his fist and standing before the crowd while clutching the “CAVS” logo on his jersey andthrusting it out for all of northeast Ohio to see. The victory gave Cleveland a 2-0 season sweep of the Lakers, which will have giant implications if it breaks a tie for homecourt advantage in the playoffs. More importantly, it gives James’ teammates some confidence that they can carry on without Mo Williams — and a psychological lift that they can whip the Lakers in the Finals, should the ongoing LeBron fairy tale reach that point.” – Jay Mariotti
This one hurts. It hurts bad. Much more than the 15 point blowout in Staples Center. Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers came to play, and they still got beat. They came out focused, and still got manhandled. Put simply, they were put down by a better team. It hasn’t happened in a long time, probably not since the 2008 Finals, but it happened tonight, and there’s no way to dress it up. [...] I can’t discount this result as just another game, because, for the 2ndstraight game, I saw Cleveland shut the Lakers offense down, and for the 2nd straight time, I couldn’t think of a rational way the Lakers could adjust. If Cleveland isn’t required to double on one of the Laker big men, our offense isn’t going to work, and we’ve seen ample evidence that neither Pau nor Drew can efficiently score in one on one situations against that team. Aas these two games have shown, Cleveland has proven to be a bad, bad match-up for L.A. If the two teams meet in the Finals, and my life were on the line, I’m ashamed to admit which way I’d bet. - Silver Screen and Roll
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(Photos by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images and Tony Dejak/Associated Press)
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 2088 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
i’m so glad you guys posted the video.
it. was. awesome.
(the game and the singing)
Kobe’s post game comments being critical of teammates makes me laugh a little bit. This is the same guy who spent the entire first quarter hitting buckets and using his thumb to point at his back basically telling his boys he was going to carry them.
Apparently that only works for the first half and then if and when the team loses they are soft and they are going to have to take a beating in practice from Kobe now. MMMMMkay… Sociopath…
Not sure why you felt the need to sully this excellent recap with quotes from Shanoff and Mariotti. Today you were the anti-LeBron…you let the game slip away from you in the 4th quarter.
F Dan Shanoff. Seriously.
Shanoff’s a hack – but he does have a point. I hope the Cavs play like that come playoffs. We’ve got an amazing shot if they’re able to.
Shanoff hates all things Ohio. I used to like his writing, but he’s morphing into a Skip Bayless type hater.
Nice win by the Cavs last night. Let’s hope Delonte’s injury doesn’t keep him out for a few games.
I’m sorry, all I heard was “TimTeBlog” when I saw Shanoff’s name.
Hollinger’s ranking system must have been unimpressed, because the Cavs actually fell a spot to number two, behind the Lakers.
Can we start wagering on which quarter Z will get called for his token Moving Screen? Also a memo to Reggie: With no reports of an earthquake in Cleveland, one has to assume that Kobe fell down because LeBron shook him. Either that or “I don’t know much about basketball.” I’m a Reggie fan but but I hate the Kobe-apologist routine that seems to be so vogue these days.
While I’m happy the Cavs won, I was throwing stuff at my TV while watching the LeBron iso offense. I know it’s a thin line between a hero and a chump, but uf he misses those shots, it’s game over for the Lakers… and we as fans are left scratching our heads.
The offensive scheme scares me. Does anyone else notice the body language of the other four CAVS on the floor when this happens? They don’t look happy and they show it on the defensive end.
I think it’s time for the chosen one to share some of the glory…
“Two, the Eminem verse in said song – the one that James is rattling off – may be the best verse in any hip-hop song from 2009 (with apologies to Lil’ Wayne, who was sitting courtside).”
Ouch, Little Wayne? I hope you just said that because he was courtside.
No love for Cudi – Cleveland is the Reason?
“Cleveland is that, Cleveland is the, Cleveland is the reason I’m cool. Cleveland is that, Cleveland is the, Cleveland is the reason I’m leanin’.
Cleveland is that, Cleveland is the, Cleveland is the reason I’m cool. Cleveland is that, Cleveland is the, Cleveland is my my city.”
Little Wayne is Hip-Pop. Check out Mos Def’s Ecstatic, Souls of Mischief’s Montezuma’s Revenge or KRS-0ne and Buckshot on Survival Skills for some real hip-hop.
Andy’s hustle to draw a foul after LeBron missed that free throw late was the play of the game. If he doesn’t make that play, L.A. is only 3 points down and has the ball. Huge play.
Can you imagine this team without A. Varejao? Am so glad they gave a fair deal to a guy who means so much to the team
-Not from Josh Cribbs
I was only able to catch the fourth quarter and I’m glad I did. I did not like Lebron’s isolation with about three minutes left, especially the one that ended in an airball. It seemed like the team came downcourt, and went into the offense, but when Lebron just held it, they faded. He was trying to take some time, but maybe instead of running the offense for the first four seconds in such situations, they should start running a play later in the shot clock.
I love how the Cavs use there defense to take control. In the past, I’ve always thought that the defender’s job is to play off the offense, and if the offense is good enough, the defender is at a disadvantage. But the Cavs use their defense like a good defensive football team, to keep the other team off balance and control the game that way. That double block on Gasol, Delonte’s and Lebron’s steals late in the game, and especially Varejao’s offensive rebound/loose ball foul draw on the missed free throw, really made it feel like the Lakers were just not on the Cavs’ level.
Here’s hoping they keep it up.
@Jason – I totally agree about the Lebron Iso Offense. He needs to stop with the off balance 3 Heat Checks too. Last 2 games: 20-27 inside the 3 point line, 1-16 from 3.
I’m the furthest thing from a basketball mind, but it seemed pretty plain to me that once Bynum was sidelined with foul trouble, the Cavs only went into Shaq on the low post two or three times, and if not for a missed open look, it would have worked every time. Gasol wanted no part of Shaq and the double teams came way late, if at all. That should have been a 5 for 5 scenario until LA had to call timeout to strategerize. That said, I loved watching that game and it made me want to be in Ohio again. It’s hard to high-five yourself.
With Mo and Delonte’s (apparent) injury concerns, it sure is nice to have the all star week looming. Things like that don’t usually line up for Cleveland teams.
I am giddy. That’s right, GIDDY.
I loved in the 4th when Lebron was bringing the ball down, and I though oh man here we go with the dribble dribble doink offense, and before I could even complete the thought he weaved through the D and laid it in with the left.
Awesome change of pace.
Matt C, I definitely agree….Late in the game, Shaq should get more looks against Gasol, as Gasol wanted no part of getting destroyed over and over
woww…Slim Shady!!!!!!!!!!!!Cant wait for Relapse 2
The one thing I specifically tried to watch for (and failed to catch during the actual game, but this recap said it happened, so I went back and looked, and sure enough) was that the Lakers hadn’t lost a game all season when they held a lead at any point in the 4th quarter. I tried to keep my eye on the diff all 4th quarter, but must have missed the 10 second window when the Flakers led 71-69 after a pair of free throws from Shannon Brown. This just shows the intensity the Cavs finished this game off with, and I couldn’t love it more.
Chad – I’m a huge Cudi fan. Drake, Cudi, Wale, Common, Mos, Talib… And I may have used hip-hop a little loosely with the Wayne reference – but I still do feel that the Eminem verse is absolutely sick in that Drake song.
They don’t have anybody that can check Shaq or Lebron. I love Z on Gasol and Andy on Lamar. And i have to give JJ Hickson some credit, he came to play hard and i think he wanted to redeem himself after he froze up in L.A. Good for him.
Ron Artest is so garbage its not even funny. The thought that they got him to check LeBron is laughable beyond human belief. Kobe hand is missed up and the rest of the team is soft but now its ON TO THE NEXT ONE.
Orlando doesn’t have what it takes and Hawks are still not ready but they could beat Boston. This is what i hope for….
Cavs play Bobcats in first round. (1 vs
We need to show that we can beat them.
Then Cavs play Orlando in 2nd round (1 vs 4) It would go 5 games
Then I hope the Hawks beat Boston in the (2 vs 3) Hawks got their number
Then Cavs play hawks in ECF (1 vs 3) We go their number
Then play the Lakers in NBA Finals (Lebron vs Kobe) We match-up good with them.
I think if we play it like that, we’ll win a Championship.
Awww, I love the part where he sings about bashing the brains of whores.
That being said, tell me how Antawn Jamison minus one or two of our bigs, win this game. Can’t we give Danny Ferry a little credit. Gasol and the 7 footr Tracy Morgan look silly against us. I for one will not be upset if we stand pat at the trade deadline. There, I said it.
We won this game WITHOUT our biggest match up advantage against the lakers – MO WILLIAMS! Derek Fisher cannot guard him.
Also, this team is STILL nowhere near it’s peak. I mean, Leon Powe is such a huge upgrade over Hickson, the turnovers are still a big problem, they still go into LeIso way too much, Delonte is still not back to form, Z is in another shooting slump, and they will most likely trade Z for another piece and buy him out.
Of all the elite teams, the Cavs have BY FAR the most room to grow and they are STILL taking to the best teams in the NBA.
This is our season. Danny Ferry solved our match up problems in the offseason.
LBJ = MVP, again…period! The Cavaliers will really miss Mo it was clear, at least in game 1 minus Mo, that West and Parker won’t provide the same production which means Ferry needs to add that All-Star caliber PF even more now. I know one thing back in November when the Delonte West situations were at hand it would have been nice had Ferry signed Antonio Daniels. Now with Mo out that move would have paid off immediately.
@TheOtherTim
I think we have a pretty good chance with this line-up. That’s not to say that we wouldn’t have a better chance with Jamison, especially if we brought back Z after 30 days. That’s only addition.
And if not Jamison, then a young big since Z might retire and Shaq isn’t getting a long term deal here, and therefore probably won’t be back.
# 25 – I was wondering the same thing. Could we have won that game without JJ and Z but with Jamison? I dont think so. Our size and physical play inside really gave them trouble on the defensive end. I have seen Jamison play a lot (I am in the DC area) and I dont think he would have give us the same advantage. Plus, it seems Z and LeBron are working the pick and pop play very well this year.
That being said, I would love to have a reliable low post scorer.
@24: I for one would want nothing to do with Charlotte in the playoffs. I’ve been able to go to a few of their games this year (I’ll be at tomorrow night’s game against ORL too), and while they have been an atrocious road team, a lot of those were before Jack got there, and with he, Gerald Wallace playing extremely well on both O and D, and some gritty role players, they give CLE fits. O, and they are fantastic at home, blowing out the Spurs and Suns on back to back nights (PHX was coming off a tough loss in ATL the night before, but were down by 40 early in the 4th). Don’t sell the Bobcats short; they are becoming a very nice team.
dang
get rite ma boi leborn iz a beast
@DJ
Seriously, any team that sleeps on the Bobcats in the playoffs will probably be booking extra long summer vacations. They have good scorers and their D has been phenomenal. They will be a legit team barring injury.
@33: You aren’t kidding; I really enjoyed watching them turn lights out defense into easy transition buckets. In the two games I went to last weekend, it seemed that twice a quarter, a monster Gerald Wallace block would turn into a transition drive for Jack, a 3 for Diow, or a power move from Nazi. They just killed SA and PHX with transition baskets off of lights out D. A fun team to watch…even if Charlotte hasn’t figured it out yet (arena wasn’t very full for either game last weekend…it’ll be interesting to see if people turn out to see D-Howard and the Magic).
CAN YOU DIG IT?!?!?!
Considering the Drake song seems to br about LeBron, based on the music video I am cool with it. Another thing about LeBron flowing= cool under pressure.