Cleveland Cavaliers or Orlando Magic?

[Thunder Dan]

the Cavs and Lakers have come far enough. I'm just rooting for a Kobe/Lebron Finals.

I think the Magic win a game or 2, but I can't see them winning

[DeadlyDynasty]

What the are you talking about?

You're offering completely different scenarios. The Lakers have come out in 40% of their playoff games looking like a team that feels the le should be handed to them. They felt the heat from the Rockets because they're ing LAZY on defense and don't know how to rotate properly, and they have no ability to contain quick point guards.

The Cavaliers have come out in every game not looking to win, but to absolutely lay waste to the opposition. They haven't asked questions or whined or tried to plea for the refs help. Every game (they've played one more all playoffs than the Lakers did in the last series, think about that) the moment they've stepped on the floor, they've been all business. They want to win and if you are in an opposing jersey, you are going to be crushed.

Yes, they've played some bad teams. But remember, the Hawks weren't completely awful (as in, probably as good as a crippled Rockets team), and the Cavs could have won by 25-30 every single night if they would have left their starters in. That's the kind of dominance we haven't seen since....

Since ever. No team has walked through the compe ion like these Cavs have. Even the 2000-01 Lakers had a few close games. Now, of course, the compe ion was undoubtedly better than what the Cavs have seen, but I'm willing to bet they're going to put the boot down on Orlando.

They MIGHT lose Game 1 due to being rusty, or Game 3 if the Magic get hot. Every other game in the series will be controlled by the Cavs for most of the way.

Chances are, they won't need to reach to guard Howard. Their defense is good enough that they won't have to compensate for Dwight's dominance. They'll just shut down the perimeter and let Dwight get his.

I seriously have to wonder what beating a broken down, exhausted team like the Celtics proved about Orlando's ability to run with the Cavs. They just went 7 games with the second most injured team in the playoffs, and looked atrocious at times doing it. What matchup on the floor other than Howard are the Magic going to be able to exploit? They have no one to go to for consistent scoring that the Cavs can't absolutely shut down. Anyone who gets hot, stick LeBron on him. Hedo won't even get a shot off with James in his face. Shard would (will) resort to fade-aways.

Cavs in 4. They're just too good.

you dont even believe that ...and if you do then kindly place a wager on it, cause I want some of that action. I really don't understand some of the people on this forum, it's like they never understood the concept of "matchups." Orlando is a bad matchup for Cleveland. Does that mean the Cavs will lose? No, there are many other intangibles such as HCA, superstars, etc. But, barring injury, there's no way in the Cavs win this series in less than 7

[lebomb]

Cavs in 6

[Cry Havoc]

Do you understand the concept of matchups? The Cavs ability to win by 40 against the Hawks every game means absolutely nothing.

Really? It means nothing? Okay then, my mistake. I thought it meant they are playing excellent basketball. Silly me!

Uhh, so whose going to guard 6'10 Hedo and 6'10 Lewis? Varajeo? Wallace? West? James can only guard one.

So your saying if James is on Hedo, he will shut down Hedo automatically and Lewis will be shut down as well due to James presence on Hedo. It will be almost zen like since James can channel his shut down abilities on two players at once. Also, if Courtney Lee shuts down Mo Williams, the Cavs will be in more trouble.

That's not what I said. I expect James to guard Lewis most of the time.

If you read the post, I said if a player gets hot, like Hedo having a good shooting day, then you can stick James on him and shut him down. Varajeo on Hedo should be fine most of the time. Hedo doesn't drive often and if he does, the Cavs rotate extremely well on defense.

you dont even believe that ...and if you do then kindly place a wager on it, cause I want some of that action. Orlando is a bad matchup for Cleveland. Does that mean the Cavs will lose? No, there are many other intangibles such as HCA, superstars, etc. But, barring injury, there's no way in the Cavs win this series in less than 7

So if you're sure it's going 7, want to put money on the Cavs winning in 7? If you're so positive that it's going to take them more than 6 games, that's fine as well.

I really don't understand some of the people on this forum, it's like they never understood the concept of "matchups."

Interesting. Because I really don't understand some of the people on this forum, it's like they've never understood the concept of, "regular season doesn't mean ".

[TJastal]

Do you understand the concept of matchups? The Cavs ability to win by 40 against the Hawks every game means absolutely nothing.

Uhh, so whose going to guard 6'10 Hedo and 6'10 Lewis? Varajeo? Wallace? West? James can only guard one.

So your saying if James is on Hedo, he will shut down Hedo automatically and Lewis will be shut down as well due to James presence on Hedo. It will be almost zen like since James can channel his shut down abilities on two players at once. Also, if Courtney Lee shuts down Mo Williams, the Cavs will be in more trouble.

I tend to agree with this. Red and Courtney Lee proved they can play some great perimeter defense (on Allen and House) and I can see them limiting the West/Williams outside game.

Which in turn will put steady pressure on James to deliver most of the offense for Cleveland. If he is up to this task, the Cavs will probably win. If he cannot deliver 35+ a night I think Orlando will win the series, the Lewis/Turkoglu combo is a tough matchup for any team outside of the lakers. Either way, it should be a hard fought series, no way in bloody is there gonna be a sweep, either by Cavs or Magic.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Really? It means nothing? Okay then, my mistake. I thought it meant they are playing excellent basketball. Silly me!



That's not what I said. I expect James to guard Lewis most of the time.

If you read the post, I said if a player gets hot, like Hedo having a good shooting day, then you can stick James on him and shut him down. Varajeo on Hedo should be fine most of the time. Hedo doesn't drive often and if he does, the Cavs rotate extremely well on defense.



So if you're sure it's going 7, want to put money on the Cavs winning in 7? If you're so positive that it's going to take them more than 6 games, that's fine as well.



Interesting. Because I really don't understand some of the people on this forum, it's like they've never understood the concept of, "regular season doesn't mean ".

No, because I'm not sure if the Cavs will even win...But we can take that part of the bet out of the picture and make it a push though if Orlando does win. If that's the case, then sure, I'll bet under one condition...that you admit that "Cavs in 4" was a bull prediction and that you wouldn't bet on it. I have no reservations betting on this being a 7-game series, but everybody and their mother knows you wouldn't put money on Cavs in 4.



P.S. you conveniently ignored the matchups yet again...it's blatantly obvious that you are blinded by emotion when it comes to the Cavs because you haven't made one valid argument in their defense yet. You're merely drinking the kool-aid. Please, has their frontcourt "magically" gotten better since the last time they played the Magic? Did they find an answer for Rashard Lewis? You have no idea what you're talking about

[Cry Havoc]

Red and Courtney Lee proved they can play some great perimeter defense (on Allen and House)

Just stop.

Re playing defense . Ray Allen has become the streakiest shooter in the league. I could guard him right now, because he can't even hit a wide open 3.

lol Re

No, because I'm not sure if the Cavs will even win...But we can take that part of the bet out of the picture and make it a push though if Orlando does win. If that's the case, then sure, I'll bet under one condition...that you admit that "Cavs in 4" was a bull prediction and that you wouldn't bet on it. I have no reservations betting on this being a 7-game series, but everybody and their mother knows you wouldn't put money on Cavs in 4

So you don't have enough faith to put money on your prediction, but you're calling me out for posting bull ? Is said it might go 5. I see nothing to offer evidence for it going more than 5 games. Of course it might go 6 if the Cavs have a horrible game and the Magic shoot lights out in another. But I don't think either is going to happen.

at you "calling me out" for not putting money up on my prediction but immediately reneging on your own.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Just stop.

Re playing defense . Ray Allen has become the streakiest shooter in the league. I could guard him right now, because he can't even hit a wide open 3.

lol Re



So you don't have enough faith to put money on your prediction, but you're calling me out for posting bull ? Is said it might go 5. I see nothing to offer evidence for it going more than 5 games. Of course it might go 6 if the Cavs have a horrible game and the Magic shoot lights out in another. But I don't think either is going to happen.

at you "calling me out" for not putting money up on my prediction but immediately reneging on your own.

I just said I'd bet on it...wow, are you ing blind? Good job back-pedaling from your asinine Cavs in 4 prediction. In one post since the offer you've convinced yourself it might go 6...getting cold feet? The bet's on the table...just say, "I, Cry Havoc, was kidding about the Cavs in 4 prediction, and will gladly take your bet on Cavs in 7." This bet is only good if Cleveland wins...if Orlando wins it's a push

[Budkin]

Cavs in 6.

[manufan10]

Cavs in 5, but wouldn't be suprized to see a sweep

I feel the same way. Lebron and the Cavs are on a mission. If the series between Boston/Orlando was any indication, then the Cavs won't have too hard of a time.

[stretch]

You are out of your mind if you think Varajeo can guard Hedo at all.

If Hedo and Shard both go off then what? Who will stop them both? What if Dwight goes off? Big Z going to stop him?

What if Shard goes off and Pietrus goes off? Is Palvochic going to guard him? What if Lee and Hedo and Howard go off? Who will guard all 3?

Why you are thinking that the rule of the universe is only one Magic player can catch fire per game?

Lets see, who can catch fire for the Cavs.

Lebron, Mo, Deltone.

Lets see, who can catch fire for the Magic.

Hedo, Shard, Howard, Pietrus, Lee, Re .

You are selling the Cavs defense entirely too short.

And if you are going to say Red can get hot, then you gotta include Gibson for the Cavs. And don't forget that Z is a good shooter too, which does wonders for that offense, in pulling the opposing big men out of the middle. Z can easily score 15-20 on jumpers alone.

You are also selling short how good Lebron is. You act as if he is just any ordinary player, when truth is, if he is hot, he is the most unstoppable player in the league, and arguably the most unstoppable player in NBA history. Yeah, I said it. If I had a choice to deal with a Jordan on fire, or Lebron on fire, I would much rather deal with Jordan. Physically, you have a better chance of containing him than Lebron.

[TJastal]

Just stop.

Re playing defense . Ray Allen has become the streakiest shooter in the league. I could guard him right now, because he can't even hit a wide open 3.

lol Re



So you don't have enough faith to put money on your prediction, but you're calling me out for posting bull ? Is said it might go 5. I see nothing to offer evidence for it going more than 5 games. Of course it might go 6 if the Cavs have a horrible game and the Magic shoot lights out in another. But I don't think either is going to happen.

at you "calling me out" for not putting money up on my prediction but immediately reneging on your own.

So your going to simply chalk up Allen's mediocre shooting against the magic to just bad luck then. He was missing jumpers in about every game in the series because of his "streakiness". Riiiigghht.

I tend to believe there's a reason(s) when players play poorly for several games in a row other than just dumb luck or streakiness. One or 2 bad games where the shots just don't fall I can see. But Allen was misfiring all series long. Some of it I think was the fatigue from the bulls series and having to carry his team on his back for 7 grueling games.

But the other part of it was Red 's hounding defense. If you had put your beer down long enough to actually focus on the game, you would have noticed. Red shadowed Allen everywhere he went and fought through screens and contested Allen's shot. That is why SVG kept him in the starting lineup throughout the series, even when Red was himself in an awful shooting slump. Laugh all you want, but Red did an admirable job keeping Allen off balance, and it defenitely affected him.

[Hemotivo]

Only way Cavs don't win is if LeBron gets hurt.

a vbookie maybe?

[stretch]

I am not selling Lebron short. I do love the game plan Van Gundy had last game. Have Courtney Lee at the perimeter to match Lebrons quickness, and release him to Howard if he penetrates. Not saying this can stop LBJ, but it contained him the last 2 times they played. Lee's quickness and Howards size hurt LBJ.

Yeah, I saw that game. I'd say a half-assed effort and Orlando hitting everything they threw up hurt the Cavs more than anything. Games like that happen once in a great while, and virtually never happens in the playoffs.

The Cavs are playing on a much higher level than they have all season. You can expect to see them attack the Magic in a different way than they did in that game.

[InK]

I just hope this is a good series.......'cause I don't think the WCF will be.......hate to disrespect or overlook the Nuggets but.......no exciting vibes on that one.

Eh cmon, WCF>ECF by a mile. Cavs are gonna crush the Magic, its gonna be unwatchable after halftime with the cavs beeing up by 15+.

[TJastal]

Yeah, I saw that game. I'd say a half-assed effort and Orlando hitting everything they threw up hurt the Cavs more than anything. Games like that happen once in a great while, and virtually never happens in the playoffs.

The Cavs are playing on a much higher level than they have all season. You can expect to see them attack the Magic in a different way than they did in that game.

Care to elaborate on this? What, lemme guess are they going to give their fans all paintball guns to take potshots at the Magic players.

What the way are they suddenly going to "attack" the magic differently now? The magic we're the only team in the league that managed to beat them twice.

Here's the most recent game results and a few select excerpts between the two teams.

http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290403019

"Never in LeBron James' entire basketball life could he recall being down by more than 40 points."

"Howard had a crushing block on a layup attempt by James that brought the home fans to their feet in one seemingly collective "ooh." Howard smiled down court, and an obviously throttled James tried to return the favor but was called for goaltending on Howard's hook shot.

It got worse for Cleveland -- much worse.

A series of alley-oops, dunks and wide-open 3-pointers all seemed to connect for Orlando. And when Courtney Lee finally missed a jumper for the Magic during the spurt, Howard cleaned it up with a monstrous put-back dunk that began the chants of "M-V-P!" every time he shot free throws."

Nah, Stretch, the cavs are going to face the same team as the one they played in early April, they won't have any new ways or "attacks" or whatever the you meant.

[Spursfan092120]

I know regular season doesn't matter, but Orlando is the only team that won the season series against Cleveland...just food for thought.

[stretch]

Care to elaborate on this? What, lemme guess are they going to give their fans all paintball guns to take potshots at the Magic players.

What the way are they suddenly going to "attack" the magic differently now? The magic we're the only team in the league that managed to beat them twice.

Here's the most recent game results and a few select excerpts between the two teams.

http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290403019

"Never in LeBron James' entire basketball life could he recall being down by more than 40 points."

"Howard had a crushing block on a layup attempt by James that brought the home fans to their feet in one seemingly collective "ooh." Howard smiled down court, and an obviously throttled James tried to return the favor but was called for goaltending on Howard's hook shot.

It got worse for Cleveland -- much worse.

A series of alley-oops, dunks and wide-open 3-pointers all seemed to connect for Orlando. And when Courtney Lee finally missed a jumper for the Magic during the spurt, Howard cleaned it up with a monstrous put-back dunk that began the chants of "M-V-P!" every time he shot free throws."

Nah, Stretch, the cavs are going to face the same team as the one they played in early April, they won't have any new ways or "attacks" or whatever the you meant.

lol, regular season

please stfu

[DeadlyDynasty]

I know regular season doesn't matter, but Orlando is the only team that won the season series against Cleveland...just food for thought.

Orlando and LA...and that's who Cleveland is going to have to go through to get to the finals. That's why I love the playoffs

Cleveland was 1-4 against LA and Orlando. Their one win was over Orlando at the Q by 4 points (LBJ hit a crazy 3 in the final minute and Rashard and Hedo had awful games). Their 4 losses were all by double digits. Cleveland had success against every team but these two...

[DeadlyDynasty]

lol, regular season

please stfu

The most telling thing about that loss is that the Magic built the 40-pt lead in the 3rd quarter when the Cavs starters were on the floor

but keep telling yourself its the regular season and it doesn't matter. The Cavs went 66-16 and secured HCA throughout the playoffs. Don't tell me the regular season didn't mean something to them.

[Spursfan092120]

Orlando and LA...and that's who Cleveland is going to have to go through to get to the finals. That's why I love the playoffs

Cleveland was 1-4 against LA and Orlando. Their one win was over Orlando at the Q by 4 points (LBJ hit a crazy 3 in the final minute and Rashard and Hedo had awful games). Their 4 losses were all by double digits. Cleveland had success against every team but these two...

yep...seems the cream always rises to the top every year. These are the 4 best teams in the league right now, and they all make it. That's why 7 game series' work so perfectly. It's enough games to find out which team is the better team.

[Spursfan092120]

Cavs in 5, but wouldn't be suprized to see a sweep

BELIEVE THE HYPE!! lol

remember 2007.

[Spursfan092120]

lol, regular season

please stfu

Their one win over Orlando was at the Q by 4 points (LBJ hit a crazy 3 in the final minute and Rashard and Hedo had awful games). Their 2 losses were by double digits. Cleveland had success against every team but Orlando and LA

Modified it a little bit to fit what I was saying...but...what he said.

[TJastal]

lol, regular season

please stfu

Uh, no.

I'll gladly stfu when the Cavs bounce the magic out of the playoffs in less than 6 games. I'll come eat my crow if that happens. But its not going to happen. Your feeding right into the hype that is ultimately going to doom the Cavs

Sorry my friend, but your severely underestimating the importance of matchups and regular season, which favors the magic.

[Brazil]

What I want: Cavs in 7
What I think will happen: Magic in 6

You'd prefer playing the cavs rather than Magic in the finals ?