I look at it a couple of ways.
1.) We don't not have a chance. We're still playing so as the 2004 Red Sox proved, anything is possible.
2.) We have a better chance to win it than every team that currently isn't playing anymore.
3.) All things being even, Cleveland is a one trick pony team and one bad fall, one bad landing on someone else's foot, or one bad extra hard hit to his cranium that causes a concussion to LeBron, and Cleveland is history. Stranger things have happened.
I love this team no matter what and am actually starting to feel more emotionally attached to it than the 2008 version that was the sacrifice the individual for the good of the whole team. This is more of a we will overcome, we will adapt, we will persevere type club that for some reason, appeals to me so much more. Kinda like the 2001 Patriots rather than the 2003 or 2004 version of the Pats. The gritty underdogs that everyone said just can't do it against the great team. Giants fans probably know what I'm talking about.
So, even though my head says it doesn't matter if we win or not because we can't go any further than Cleveland, my heart makes me think we have an excellent chance of winning one of those improbable championships and creating a dynasty as KG returns next year and Perk, Baby, Rondo and the younger generation get the torched passed ala Havilcek and the later 60's crowd of Celtics were by Cousy and the earlier 60's crew.
It could happen!!!!!!
Um, what would be that "One Trick" you are talking about?
Are you referring to;
- their excellent team defense,or
- their ability to control the glass (both offensive and defensive)
- their outside shooting
- their go-to man being the games premier offensive talent
Well, which is it?
Gee, I thought I was pretty clear there. It's easy really. If LeBron goes down, Cleveland is done. He is 30% of their offense and by looking at his On court/Off court numbers
http://www.82games.com/0809/08CLE9.HTM
and a few other stats it clear Cleveland is a bad team when he is not on the floor.
Huge BFO there dude. Of course they cannot win without LBJ - i'm not stating they can.
I'm taking exception to the fact you have called them a one-trick pony. Give them some credit. They did win 66 games this year.
NBA coaches must be pretty bad at their jobs if they let a one-trick pony team win all those games. You think they would have figured out a way to stop that!
I have tremendous respect for their team. They are great.
But unlike teams like Boston, Denver, LA, Houston, San Antonio and the like who have several star players, if LeBron goes down, they can not stay competitive. Houston minus McGrady is very good. Boston minus KG is very good. San Antonio minus Manu was very good. Orlando without Nelson is a very good team. If Billups or Melo go down, Denver is still a very good team.
Cleveland sans LeBron is not a very good team. Heck, they aren't a playoff team with LeBron. Teams like LA, Boston, Houston, San Antonio, Orlando, Phoenix, and Denver can withstand injuries to stars. Cleveland without their one star, is doomed.
Hence, one trick pony.
