Wednesday, May 12, 2010
They booed LeBron?
Yes they did. ... I'm not sure I like this. It could fire him up. Combined with the possible return of the Mr. Hyde Celtics, it could be a deadly combination tomorrow night. ... But enough with my pessimism. Game 6 MVP: D-E-F-E-N-S-E. It was simply outstanding. Last night was a textbook case on how it wins games. The TV people did a great job, via replays, showing how the Celts employed a multi-level defensive system, with all sorts of subtle traps, to stymie LeBron and the Cavs, who just couldn't figure it out. The game was a joy to watch.
Update -- A reader/friend mentioned that I shouldn't forget all the 'strategic fouls.' It's true. Anytime the Cavs penetrated the C's outer defense, they were hacked to death under the basket. It's how the game should be played.
Update II -- From Bert:
Yes they did. ... I'm not sure I like this. It could fire him up. Combined with the possible return of the Mr. Hyde Celtics, it could be a deadly combination tomorrow night. ... But enough with my pessimism. Game 6 MVP: D-E-F-E-N-S-E. It was simply outstanding. Last night was a textbook case on how it wins games. The TV people did a great job, via replays, showing how the Celts employed a multi-level defensive system, with all sorts of subtle traps, to stymie LeBron and the Cavs, who just couldn't figure it out. The game was a joy to watch.
Update -- A reader/friend mentioned that I shouldn't forget all the 'strategic fouls.' It's true. Anytime the Cavs penetrated the C's outer defense, they were hacked to death under the basket. It's how the game should be played.
Update II -- From Bert:
Sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter, LeBron didn’t look angry, frustrated or even matter of fact. He looked confused. Do you ever remember Bird, Magic, Jordan or even Kobe looking that way? I don’t. I still think he’s the best player in the game. But there’s a question about his ability to deal with adversity, with finding the balance Jordan ultimately did between carrying a team to victory and leading a team to victory. Or is it just that he doesn’t have his Pippen yet?
Analysts last night on espn skewered his lack of emotion and interest and questioned why he never tried to shake himself out of it. Made me think of Hagler beating himself on the head during the Leonard fight.
