Yesterday, the Cavaliers showed the Boston Celtics why they won't be making a run in the playoffs this year. Anderson Varejao played like a man-possessed, and his energy was invaluable as the Cavaliers delivered another knock-out punch to the Celtics. In the 1st quarter, LeBron looked to find his teammates. The Cavaliers were playing scrappy defense, but definitely missed Shaq's presence. Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins went to work, taking advantage of the Cavaliers lack of big-men. This didn't last long however.This game got chippy very early on, and right around the 8 minute mark KG and Hickson got into it. At shit point in his career, Garnett has resorted to cheap shots and shoving people around. When you play on a team full of senior-citizens, and you're well on your way to losing your 3rd out of 4 games, you'll have that. Hickson did not take Garnett's shoving lightly, and let him know about it after the whistle.
Side note: This was without question the most annoying broadcasting I have heard in a long time. First of all, I hate Mark Jackson. He felt the need to correct Jeff Van Gundy frequently, saying, "You're out of line saying LeBron is a better passer than Magic Johnson." No Mark, you're out of line. You're ignorant of LeBron's greatness and true basketball fans are better off muting the television when you talk. They didn't even talk about the game for most of the 2nd quarter, instead they focused on Mark Jackson's whack purple suit he wore in his playing days. Wow, what I would have given for some Austin Carr and Fred McLeod.
In the 2nd quarter, the Cavaliers without a doubt fed off of the Wild Thing's energy. LeBron kept looking for open teammates, but Boston kept fighting back. Garnett kept trying to push around and intimidate our bigs, and rightly so picked up his 3rd foul with 4 minutes to go in the half. On the next possession, Antawn pump-faked a 3 and Glen Davis came barreling at him, taking him out on his often-injured right shoulder side. Is he trying to take out our stars? First Shaq now Jamison? Big Baby, do yourself a favor and tone it down a notch. Nobody likes you. Varejao kept coming at the Celtics, and the chippiness continued. Must suck to be a Celtics fan right about now, knowing your team has no shot at a gold trophy.
Early in the 2nd half, Kevin Garnett let out his frustration, doing the unthinkable. As LeBron drove to the hole, KG smacked LeBron right in the face, putting the King on the floor writhing in pain for a few minutes. Sweet Garnett, you're old and your knee is falling apart. While Mark Jackson claimed, "That was definitely not intentional," Cavs fans knew otherwise. The Celtics have resorted to dirty play on a consistent basis. I'm sick of it. That was deliberate, and Shaq doesn't let these things slide by. Expect several Celtics to leave the court on stretchers if we do match up with them in the playoffs, you got me right Shaq?
So we traded baskets for most of the 3rd, and the game was still relatively close. Mo hit some threes, but Boston answered with big shots from Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. It's funny watching old men run around thinking they have a chance against the greatest player in the world. Funny stuff. Anyways, the 2nd chance points in this game were huge. Any idea who most of those came from? (Insert Varejao)
"I thought one guy completely dominated this game, and that was Varejao," Rivers said after watching his team fall to 41-24. "Loose balls, activity, getting under our skin. I mean, he's doing what he should do. That was very frustrating." Anderson does this on a nightly basis. Other teams can't stop him because he's constant energy.
The Cavaliers took over in the 4th, and at one point pushed the lead to 89-72. Just like last time, the Celtics couldn't hang. Jamison didn't play well, and his 2/8 free throw shooting was pathetic. He needs to step us his game, because we need his offensive production. Against the Celtics though, it didn't end up mattering. They never can seem to stop LeBron. (who finished with 30 points and 7 assists) Nobody really ever stops the King, they can only hope to contain him. LeBron James is underrated
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