Apparently, Lebron stated that game 3 was the "biggest game of his life". Which, makes his performance after those words, that much baller. That 50-15-12 performance that I waited for, happened and truthfully I wasn't surprised. Now, I picked the Pistons in six and they went out and won the first two games. But I have a feeling this is a totally different series. Many reasons...
1. Simply put, the Pistons held serve. It wasn't as if Cavs were expected to win a game at the Palace, If they did, it would have been a huge steal.
2. In my previous post, I believed the matchup between Chauncey Billups and the patchwork/platoon point guard of the Cavs, would be a mismatch for the Pistons. However, I was unaware of the history of Mike Brown of OWNING Billups. I have to apologize for criticizing Brown on his coaching acumen. His gameplan has bothered Billups ever since he was a Piston. That, compounded with the fact that Daniel Gibson's quick hands and Larry Hughes' length, is visibly bothering Billups.
3. Riles, you want an ESPY-esque dunk? Well you got it. http://youtube.com/watch?v=mFl-66WrF_o
If that dunk doesn't light a fire for Lebron, then there is nothing that will. Scary thing is, more than the dunk is that he now knows how to attack this vaunted Pistons-D with his ever present athleticism along with his off and on jumper that is now on, added to his arsenal.
4. I am a realist though. For all I know, Lebron could take over this series like last year and finish the Pistons by himself. On the other hand, Lebron still has not found a right hand man that can consistently keep the Pistons honest. Billups may struggle throughout the series but that still leaves out Rip Hamilton who was awful in games 2 and 3. The Cavs can't expect those struggles continue.
5. Funny thing for Lebron is, every game from this point on is his "biggest game" with the precedent he set. How many players past or present can take three guys and make the last guy a 6'11" defensive stalwart a mere poster? Then afterwards take a defensive wing specialist out on the three point line and promptly demoralize him with a fadeaway?
6. I know its cliche, but I sincerely believe if this series is going seven games, the Cavs have to win game 4. If this series goes 3-1 Pistons, then it undoubtedly go Pistons the rest of the way. Game 4 is a must win out of must wins.
7. Lebron, one criticism. Stop phoning in the third quarter. Play with energy for all four. I can't imagine what stats he would have put up had he scored more than one point in the third.
8. Finally French Open........eh who cares?
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Interesting to know.
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