J. R. Smith Helps Lead Cavaliers To opening Game Win

The Cleveland Cavaliers knew they needed players to stepup and one guy who has proven he can do it is J.R. Smith. For most of the season Smith has been quiet, but broke out last night against the Atlanta Hawks. Smith was excellent from three point range and tallied 28 points.. I was not a big fan of J. R. Smith when the Cavaliers got him but he sure came through when he was needed. Getting the win is a great start for the Cavaliers and Smith. Can Smith keep it up? I really dont know about that as Atlanta will make adjustments for game 2.

Smith's heroics cannot be dismissed at all. If you take away his 28 pointsbthe Cavaliers get hammered in the game. Both teams suffered setbacks by losing players. It will be interesting to see which team can overcome the injuries the best. The Cavaliers have been able to weather most injuries as they are a very deep team plus they do have King James. If the Cavaliers get similar games from J.R. Smith they will be very hard to beat.

I Thought Lebron James Was Getting Old But I was Dead Wrong

After watching Lebron James interview after Game 4 I said to myself James is getting up there and is slowing down. You can tell what toll the NBA takes on a player as James has gotten older, but looks older then his age of 30. I thought maybe James was slowing down and the Cleveland Cavaliers had no real chance against the Chicago Bulls. Fast forward to Game 5 and James was vintage. He did everything the Cleveland Cavaliers could ask from a player. He carried them on his back when they needed him too. This is why he came back to Cleveland to win an NBA Championship and he being the Alpha Dog on the team. Can James get one more win?

The Chicago Bulls could have easily already won this series, but they  have had some epic failures in quarters. Chicago needs a much better effort in Game 6 or they will be going home early and there season will be over. James is one guy who can make that happen. I was dead wrong about James and his will to win an NBA Championship in Cleveland. All season I  have questioned if this is really what he wants to do. I know him coming back was a good story for awhile, but I was questioning it for the longest time. After watching what he did in Game 5 there is no doubt Lebron James wants to win another NBA title. He is chasing it for Cleveland and his own legacy. Give James credit he has worked for everything he got, but winning a championship in Cleveland will be very special to him and the City.

Can The Cavaliers Win Without Kevin Love?

The Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Boston Celtics, but at what cost. Cleveland knew the Boston Celtics would not roll over, but they never figured on losing Kevin Love. It looks like Kevin Love has a shoulder injury, but right now Cleveland has no idea how bad it could be. I

How big is it to lose Kevin Love for a number of games?

Now Kevin Love is a player that does many things for the Cavs. You may not see it every night in the stat book, but he is very important. He can help stretch the defense and that opens other opportunities for other players. Most people do not realize how important that happens to be especially in the playoffs. Once you reach the playoffs it is more of a half court game and losing Love for any time is not a good thing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Michael Jordan Is The Best Ever End Of Argument Period

It seems as Michael Jordan gets older this debate continues to rage who the best player ever happens to be. Without a doubt Michael Jordan is the best ever and here is why. Many people these days think that because today's athletes are bigger, stronger, more technology available have to be better. Well I am here to tell you that is just not the case. Shoe designs are alot better today as well, but many people are forgetting the human element in all of this. Michael Jordan had many intangibles that you must factor in. He had a desire to win at all costs. It did not matter if he was ill or had to make it through four or five players he would do it.Another big factor is Jordan's ability to be able to take the tough shot. It did not matter how important it was Jordan relish in putting the dagger through your heart.

Jordan may not have the body of Lebron James or the speed of today's players, but that does not mean anything. He was talented in many other ways he would make up for it if he played in today's game. The other guy who people forget about all the time who was a talented guy was Oscar Robertson. When you can average a triple double that is saying something. In my book Michael Jordan is one and Oscar Robertson is second. Both players could beat you in many different ways. No matter what anyone tries to tell you Michael Jordan is the best end of story.

Why Lebron James And Cavaliers Continue To Struggle

Lebron James was coming back to Cleveland to bring them a NBA Championship, but right now it looks like anything but a championship team. James has been injured and not playing up to his NBA ability at times and that has only been part of the problem. It seems Kevin Love is not involved enough as he is confused on his role on the team. David Blatt the coach really has no answers and many times the Cavaliers just tune him out. Can the season be saved?

I think the season can still be saved for the Cavaliers, but several things must happen. The first is these players must listen to James. It seems many are tuning him out and that is part of the problem. Getting Kevin Love more involved is critical if they want to see success. Making trade after trade is not the answer either. Stick with a core group and work with them until you get better. It will not happen overnight, but keep making changes is not the answer. I think some of the players feel resentment towards King James as well even if they do not want to admit it. Right now the Cavaliers are not a good team and unless something changes soon they may not even make the playoffs.

Will The Cavaliers Become The Darth Vader Of The NBA This Year?

Now that Lebron James has made his return to Cleveland are the Cavaliers becoming the Darth Vader of the NBA. When James went to Miami he was hated for surrounding himself with good players and spurning the Cleveland Cavaliers. Will the same scenario play out in Cleveland? It very could and here is why.

Yes, James is loved in Cleveland, but around the league I cannot imagine this will sit well. Players just joining the Cavaliers because they think they can win a championship. This just fuels resentment from other teams, fans, and the public in general. Remember when Lebron was going to win not 4, not 5, not 6 okay we know the story Lebron.

Cleveland is slowly becoming the Darth Vader of the NBA. Being hated isn't always a bad thing if you win. The Oakland Raiders are a prime example, but they have not won in a long time. Ask their fans how enjoyable it is to lose season after season. If James wins another championship it will be interesting to see how he is perceived. Will he be loved or marked as Darth Vader forever.

Can Cleveland Learn From Past Mistakes?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have really struggled since The Decision, but now that could be a thing of the past with Lebron James coming back to the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers made a lot of mistakes the first go around with James and it's starting to look like they could be making the same mistakes the second tour of duty with James. Early in his career James was given anything he wanted and that was the Cavaliers downfall.

Now we are on the second go around and it looks like James is getting everything he wants once again. James wanted Mike Miller on the team and other players he liked could be next in line. Now don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with adding pieces to your team, but you can't let James make these kind of decisions.

Many people are on the bandwagon when it comes to getting Kevin Love to Cleveland. I will admit I am not one of those people. Love is a very good player, but to give up Wiggins and others to get him is just not worth it in my opinion. I hope the Cavaliers are not repeating mistakes from the past, but it seems they might be.

King James Goes Back To Cleveland To Assume His Throne

Lebron James left Cleveland on not so friendly terms, but that does not mean you cannot ever go back home. James decided that he missed Northeast Ohio too much and came back to where it all started for him. Some people may not understand his decision or why he did what he did. For people such as this writer I know how he feels. Nothing feels better hen going home and being around the people you grew up with and know.

Being home is something special for James. Many people will never understand that and that is okay. Yes, Lebron James wants to win a championship in Cleveland, but if he does not that is okay as well. He is doing this on his own terms, which many people never get to do. Lebron James came back to his roots and there is not wrong with that at all. For me coming home was really the only choice he could make.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and James both made mistakes, but all will be forgotten if James delivers an NBA championship to Cavalier fans. They are starved for a winner and King James will assume to throne and try to bring them one.

Will King James Ever Return To His Throne In Cleveland?

Lebron James started his career in Cleveland and many think that is where he will end it as well. I also am one of those people, but it isn't happening as soon as people think if you ask me. Cavalier fans would love to see King James resign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but I think it will happen in a couple of years and here is why. The first thing is no matter where he goes he will not sign a long term deal. If he does he will have a opt out clause built in it.

King James has unfinished business in Cleveland and he knows it. James will wait for the Cavaliers to get a few more pieces in place before he heads back. I see it in two to three years. He will still have a lot left in the tank and it will give him a chance to redeem himself in Cleveland. No matter what anyone tells you he did not like how it ended in Cleveland. If he can go back to the Cavaliers and win a title his career will be complete. If fans can wait a few more years I think they could have something special in Cleveland again. Only time will tell if I am right, but it would be a great way to end his career on top with his original team.

Lebron James Has limited Choices If He Wants To Win Championships

Most people think Lebron James has many opportunities to go anywhere he wants and win championships, but that is really not the case. There are only a handful of teams that have the talent to win, but most cannot give him max money. This really leaves Lebron James with limited options. WHat will Lebron do?

In the end I think James will stay with Miami and not opt out unless Wade and Bosh does as well. James is not happy with the Heat for not upgrading the roster during the season and it cost him a chance to repeat and make his mark in history. King James loves the history of the game and wanted to be a part of it. He will not opt out of what is owed him especially if the Heat will not add some quality players to the roster.

You can not blame James as he carried the team all year long and the playoffs as well. He has a lot of pull right now because of his performance this past season. I look for him to remain with the Heat, but it will be interesting to see how this all works out. 

Will Losing To Spurs Tarnish Lebron's Legacy

It looks like Lebron James could find himself 2-2 in NBA Finals after Sunday night unless some kind of miracle happens. Will a loss tarnish his legacy in people's eyes? The truth is the Spurs are a much better team then the Heat. When I was making predictions about this series I said a team will always beat one man every time.Michael Jordan had to learn this lesson the hard way as well. You cannot pin this loss on King James this time around. Miami is asking James to do everything and that is just not possible.

The Spurs are better in every part of the game right now. They are making the extra pass and playing as a team. Miami looks tired and when you are tired you become a beaten team. I look for San Antonio to end it Sunday, but it will not hurt Lebron's legacy as he is only one man. He did not get the help he needed in the series and that is why they are down 3-1.

Lebron James Puts Cramps To Rest Once And For All

Lebron James had to listen about cramps for a couple of days and for The Spurs that was not a good thing. James poured in 35 points to help the Heat even the series with the San Antonio Spurs. Most people made jokes about King James and his cramps including Gatorade. James has always been a player with great focus and he proved that once again.

The Spurs have a real problem is when James is on they have no real answer for him. Until they do it might be tough for the Spurs to win this series. I'm still sticking with the Spurs to win it as I like there depth in a seven game series. I will admit though the Spurs must slow down Lebron James if they want to win down in Miami.

Lebron James Can Do Something Special In This Year's Finals But Will He

Lebron James is the best basketball on the planet right now and he can do something real special in his third straight Finals appearance. The real question is will he or will he pass the torch to someone else. Ever since King James came into the league he has had his detractors, but he can end all that with another Finals win and Championship.

James has to understand if he wants to win a third straight championship he cannot be passive at times. He must go all out in every game. The Spurs are bent on revenge, so he must bring his "A" game every night. James also is the only one that can keep the Big Three together. If Miami loses this championship I look for the Big Three to be no more. James is the one player that can keep this thing together if he wants.

King James will tell you he does not care about his legacy, but that is just not true. If that was he could have stayed in Cleveland and try to win there. He wants as many championships as possible. He really cares about his legacy and how he is perceived. No matter what he tells everyone else he really does care.

Miami vs San Antonio Game 1 Preview

Well we are at the NBA Finals for another year and it looks like we could have the making of a very good finals. San Antonio is hosting Miami in Game 1. The first game is always very important even though teams tend to downplay how important it really happens to be.

The Miami Heat must start quickly out of the game in San Antonio. The Spurs are tough at home and you do not want to give the Spurs and chances so a quick start is very important. Another important thing is to limit second chance shots and play good defense. Do not make nothing easy for the Spurs if the Heat want to win Game 1.

San Antonio has to slow down the Heat by slowing the game up. Miami would rather get up and down the court and this is something that the Spurs want to avoid at all costs. Playing good consistent defense will also be important to the Spurs. San Antonio needs to feed off there home if they want to win.

I like the Spurs to take Game 1 in the series. This is going to be a very long series and even if you lose Game 1 that does not mean you cannot win this series.

Will Lebron James Ever Go Back To Cleveland?

The Cleveland Cavaliers got the No.1 pick in the lottery, but is it enough to sway Lebron James to come home to Cleveland. Everyone would like to see a fairy tale ending, but I just do not see that happening anytime soon. The first problem is Cleveland really has nobody that James probably really wants to play with. Secondly, the Cavaliers are a number of years away and he is not going to waste years playing for no championships.

Lebron James I think would return to Cleveland in the right situation. Right now it is not the right situation and it could be a number of years before it happens to be. Maybe the only way it could happen would be if Miami starts to struggle and he can convince D-Wade or Bosh to come to Cleveland with him. That would be the only way I can see him returning to Cleveland.

Can Anyone Stop The Heat From A Third Straight NBA Championship?

Most everyone you talk to will tell you the road to the NBA Champion ship will run through Miami once again. I will admit the way the Heat have been playing that very could be the truth. It seems they always play there best basketball about now. Lebron James is having another MVP season and leading the Heat to some impressive wins. Can anyone dethrone them?

Out West there could be a few teams that should give the Heat trouble if they meet. Many people think Oklahoma City can, but I just do not see that. They do not seem to be able to finish the deal and I think that will continue this season as well. I like the Clippers as they have everything in place to make the push. Getting Doc Rivers could make the difference.

In the East the Heat will have two main contenders the Bulls and the Pacers. Many people are writing off the Bulls,but I am not one of them. Chicago knows how to beat the Heat. They have also been playing without there superstar Derrick Rose, so that won't be a problem either. Indiana is another team that knows how to beat the Heat. They have the right mix this year to get it done. Having the talent and getting it done is two different things.

 In the end it will take a great effort to dethrone the Heat. It will be interesting to see if anyone can do it.

Why Do We Hate King James So Much?

It seems no matter what King James does on the court he always has his detractors on and off the court. Why is it we hate Lebron James so much? There are many reasons that come to mind. The Decision did not sit well and that is part of it. The other part is people are just trying to find fault in everything he does. James has made some quotes that probably he should have kept to himself.

James does so much on and off the court many people overlook his greatness. Before he even turned 18 everyone had him being the next Michael Jordan. He was called the chosen one and on almost every sports cover imaginable. Along the way he made some mistakes, but that is no reason to hate him like people do.There comes time when you must bury the hatchet and give him credit for what he has accomplished.

For Lebron James he wants to be the best ever and there is nothing wrong with that. If more people would support him like they did Jordan we could see something real special. Jordan had people from every walk of life supporting him. Hopefully people will warm up to James and stop hating a guy who just wants to be the best.

Kevin Durant Or Lebron James Who Is Frontrunner For NBA MVP

The NBA MVP race in my opinion is a dead heat. Many people have Kevin Durant ahead of Lebron James, but just as many have King James in the lead. Both players are having great seasons, but I think it could come down to how they both perform down the stretch. Most voters always look at how you finish not how you start. Another thing that must be considered is Kevin Durant has not one MVP yet either. Many times voters give a guy who has not won one the benefit of the doubt.

No matter who wins this battle the real winner our the fans. They get to watch to of the best basketball players on the planet. In the end I see Lebron James winning again. If Russell Westbrook did not come back Durant probably would will as he would need to do more for his team. No matter who wins this is a race that should be good.

Lebron James Should Never End A Dunk Contest

Over the years many people have wanted King James to enter the slam dunk contest. There are a long list of reasons why he hasn't and many are valid points. I do have my theory on why it would be a waste of time for King James to enter. First and foremost he could probably win it pretty easy and then he would have to listen to the competition level was not that good. If he lost he would hear people say they knew he was not that good of a dunker. Lastly, it will not change people's opinion of him.

 LeBron James would be better off just to continue to skip the dunk contest. Like he has said before he is better as an in-game dunker then a contestant. No matter how much the fans would love to see him enter the reality is it will never happen. Enjoy King James on the court as that is the only time you will see him dunk.

Miami Heat Still Prove They Are At Top Of Their Game

The Miami Heat know that the Indiana Pacers are looking to take over the top spot in the Eastern Conference, but Miami is not ready to give it up just yet. Lebron James and Dwayne Wade held the Heat together as they were able to beat the Indiana Pacers at home.

For the Pacers they built a lead only to see it vanish in the fourth quarter. Indiana must learn how to close out games on the road. Right now they have not mastered that and it cost them on Miami. Later on the season this loss could come back to haunt them, but we will have to wait and see.