My great-grandparents emigrated from Slovenia around World War I.  Growing up, I remember family visits full of painful polkas and precious potica…

Many of you can tell of your own cultural traditions that have been past down through generations.  The food (baklava, pasta fagioli), the celebrations (Chinese New Year, Oktoberfest), the trinkets (pinata, nesting dolls), the religious moments (bar mitzvah, first communion).  While this list is endless, many of these traditions have waned as the ‘old country’ becomes a faded memory.

But in Northeastern Ohio, there is a different kind of culture, the origin of which is not based on ethnicity, but on emotion:

CLEVELAND SPORTS  FANDOM.

Fan is short for fanatic, which as defined by Merriam-Webster, is marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion.  

Judging by the 1.3 million people that recently flooded the streets of Cleveland, that definition sounds about right.

For many regions, their fan base is built primarily on success.  That once-appealing bandwagon quickly becomes a ghost town once losing sets in.

But Cleveland fans stick with their teams through think and thin…and thin…and thin.

Our connection to our teams is much more than being a fan;  it’s a heritage that has been passed down like a family recipe through the decades.

I remember my mom’s mom telling me of walking pregnant high up the steps of old Municipal Stadium to watch Satchel Paige.  And my dad’s dad telling me of the exploits of Otto Graham and Dante Lavelli.

Dad and grandpa were regulars in the ‘cheap seats’– the bleacher’s moniker in the pre-Dawg Pound days–and were at that famous 1964 Browns’ title game.  Their Sunday traditions soon became mine, as I detailed in this article…

Home Opener Brings Back Stadium Memories

Of course, that Cleveland culture included the Tribe (we always drove up for twi-night double-headers) as well as the Cavs (I got to see to see Dr. J get beat on free basketball night!).  You have your own family memories of Cleveland sports, many of which have surfaced during the Cavaliers’ magical run.

Quite simply, Cleveland sports is in our DNA.   As a kid, you may try to flee the losing–I was a Sixers fan in the Ted  Stepien years–but that C-Land blood never leaves you.  We share commonalities:

Hating John Elway

Stadium Mustard

World B. Free

Dorothy Fuldheim

Selling out The Jake

East Siders

‘Get that weak stuff  outta here!’

Friday nights with…

Rocky Colavito

The Flats

Howie Chizek belting out: Mark Price for Tha-reeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!

Frankie Yankovic

Hating Michael Jordan

Higbee’s

John Adams drumming.

West Siders

Herb Score’s ‘swing and a miss’

Dick Goddard

Boobie Gibson

Nev Chandler’s Pandemonium Palace!

Come On Cavs!

Joe Tait’s Wham with the right hand!

Siper Bowl

Snow Belt

Do-it Pruitt

Bob Hope

Ask Hal

The Terminal Tower

Kenny’s catch

Cleveland traditions, sports and otherwise, are a never-ending menu of joy and tears.  And the June of 2016 will be served up at family gatherings for generations to come.

Follow on twitter:  @maljancic

When the Cavs were down 3 games to 1, I wrote this article…

Even in Cleveland, Miracles Can Happen

Once the final horn sounded, a hurricane of praise and adoration for LBJ flooded the television and internet, and rightfully so.  This impossible comeback (all 32 previous NBA finals teams that were down 3-1 eventually failed) as well as HIS comeback to home from the bright lights of Miami, are stories that would seem more improbable than even the most far-fetched Hollywood sports movie.

But let’s brush away this LeBron Lovefest and the Death of the Cleveland Curse for a moment and look back at what happened on the court last night.  The bright lights of an NBA Finals Game 7 are infinitely hotter than any moment in professional basketball. The enormous pressure, as well as the wear and tear of a grueling, intense world championship series can smother even the world’s greatest players. Here are some shooting performances from a group of NBA All-Stars (including at least 11 present or future Hall of Famers) in the last six Finals Game 7s:

Magic Johnson (5 for 14), Larry Bird (6-18), Robert Parrish (4-16), Isiah Thomas (4-12), Patrick Ewing (7-17), John Starks (2-18), Hakeem Olajuwon (10-25), Richard Hamilton (6-18), Tony Parker (3-11 & 3-12), Tim Duncan (10-27), Paul Pierce (5-15), Ray Allen (3-14 & 0-4), Pau Gasol (6-16), Kobe Bryant (6-24), and Chris Bosh (0-5).

That’s a combined shooting percentage of 30%.

Last night was a display of two punch-drunk heavyweight champions running on fumes in this final round of an epic slugfest. The Cavaliers, which shot 46.5% in first six games, shot only 40.2% last night.  The smooth-shooting Warriors drop was from 43.8% to 38.6%. Steph Curry (6-19), Klay Thompson (6-17), and James (9-24) all shot well below their usual standards. Draymond Green had an excellent game (11-15), but he also got plenty of wide open shots.

But on the most tense stage, it was Kyrie Irving that shined brightest.  On paper, his 10-23 shooting performance (43%) was very pedestrian. But to any viewer’s eye test, he was the head of the class. Most of his shots were contested, and his slight 6’3 frame didn’t get him any easy points in the paint. His pull-up jumpers off amazing ball handling were jaw-dropping. His two 3rd quarter transition finishes over Green –twisting, turning and then elevating the ball off the top of the backboard (with his weak hand)– broke at least three laws of physics. That second ‘And-1’ bucket caused a minor earthquake in the Buckeye State, considering that several million people simultaneously jumped three feet off the ground.

Then, there was his game-clincher with 53 seconds left.  Since ‘The Shot’ label is already taken, I christened it ‘The Three’. Not only was it a spectacular, pressure-packed fall-away triple with Curry in his shirt.  It was also the only made basket of the game’s final 17 shots.

So Cavalier Nation, what I wrote prior to Game 7 is now even more true…

Savor This High Point of a 45-Year Cavs Journey

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The wait for Game 7 is nearly over, and hopefully, Cleveland’s long and storied title drought is as well.  Here is how the Cavaliers can make that dream a reality:

STEP 1:  GIVE THE SPLASH BROTHERS A ‘BIGGEST LOSER’ WORKOUT

In the last 3 games, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have put up point totals of 38 and 25, 25 and 37, and 30 and 25.  That’s an gam average of 60 points.  The Cavaliers, however, won two of those 3 games (shooting themselves in the foot in game 4).

The key is Cleveland making the Splash Brothers burn serious calories to get their points.  The Cavaliers have greatly limited any easy inside scoring (especially for Curry), while also contesting three-point shots. Thus, Thompson, who shot 47% during  the regular season, is down to 44.1% in the Finals.  And Curry has dropped from 50.4% all the way down to 41.9%.

And the energy that duo has had to spend on the offensive end has definitely hurt them defensively.

STEP 2:  BALL AND BODY MOVEMENT ON OFFENSE

I have talked about this several times during the playoff run, including this article…

Obviously, LeBron James’ return to world domination has sparked this surprising Cavalier comeback.  But his performance has been greatly aided by good ball and body movement by his teammates.  Even in the times when he is in isolation ball mode, the players off the ball are cutting and setting screens for each other at times to occupy the help defense.  That either creates more open lanes for LBJ, or more open shooters for James to find as the help defense scrambles towards the LeBron locomotive.

STEP 3:  KEEP THE BARNES DOOR CLOSED AND THE MEAN OUT OF GREEN

In games 1 through 4, Harrison Barnes averaged 12.5 points on 51.3% shooting (20 for 39).  In the next two games, he has averaged 2.5 points, shooting an abysmal 9.1% (2 for 22).

Draymond Green averaged 22 points in the first two games, shooting 51.6%. Since then, he is averaging 7.7 points on 33% shooting.

With those two struggling and Andre Iquodala’s sore back, Golden State’s vast arsenal has become mostly a 2-man show.  If Cleveland can force Barnes and Green into some early misses, that rim will start looking as small as a shot glass.

STEP 4:  KEEP THE WARRIOR STORMS FROM BECOMING HURRICANES

The Warriors are going to go on some 9-0 runs.  They are just too good offensively.  Cleveland can’t allow those to grow to the 29-8 and 29-9 runs of games 1 and 2.  They can do that by…

STEP 5:  FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE, NOT THE STANKY LEG

The Cavs need to have answers offensively when the Warriors get hot.  Cleveland has gotten in trouble when their reply is the stand around and watch offense.

STEP 6:  TRIUMPH IN TRANSITION

In these last 2 wins, Cleveland has outscored the high-flying  Warriors 47-19 in fast break points.  A great effort on defense has helped put that LBJ Locomotive on a downhill track.

If the Wine and Gold can follow that simple plan, the will graduate to…

STEP 7:  WEAR PROPER FITTING GOGGLES TO AVOID EYE IRRITATION FROM ANY WAYWARD CHAMPAGNE.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers debuted in October of 1970.  That team was 1-24 when I made my world debut the following month.  The Cavs’ 45-year NBA journey has been a roller coaster ride with far more downs than ups. Thursday’s Game 6 masterpiece has taken the franchise, and their fans, to the highest point.

So Cleveland fans turn off that small pessimistic voice in the back of your heads. Put aside your doubts and scars.

Bathe yourself in the build up for this epic Game 7.  Enjoy ESPN’s wall-to-wall coverage, the Lebron Lovefest, Kyrie’s Kudos, and Steven A. Smith’s soliloquies.

SAVOR THIS MOMENT.

This moment is for…

Trips to the old Cleveland Arena to suffer through some brutal basketball.

The joy of drafting Austin Carr with the 1st pick in the 1971 draft.

The misery of watching Carr’s talents marred by a series of injuries during his nine-year stint.

Coach Bill Fitch leading the Wine and Gold to respectability.

Those maddening traffic jams around the Richfield Coliseum.

You Miracle of Richfield crazies raising the Coliseum roof and literally tearing down a basketball hoop during that magical 1976 play-off run.  Try holding back the goosebumps while watching this finish.

1970s names like Bingo Smith, Campy Russell, and Jim Brewer.

This sweet and soulful 70s fight song.

Seeing Mike Mitchell become an All-Star as he tried to carry a fading franchise.

Suffering through four years of the worst owner in sports history: Ted Stepien.

Watching Stepien go through four coaches during the 1981-82 season.

Watching Stepien get rid of Mitchell, future four-time All-Star Bill Laimbeer, and future Hall-of-Fame coach Chuck Daly.

Watching Stepien FIRE Joe Tait.

Watching Stepien trade so many first round picks away that the NBA enacted the ‘Stepien Rule’ to disallow teams from trading first round picks in consecutive years.

This moment is for…

The Gund brothers taking over this dumpster fire of a franchise.

The return of Joe Tait!

This flashy player, his unique shooting form, and these sweet uniforms…

The 1984-85 season where George Karl’s team overcame a 2-19 start to make the playoffs and bring excitement back to the Coliseum.

That squad, led by Free, Roy Hinson, and Phil Hubbard, taking the defending champion Celtics to the brink. The Blue and Orange fell in four games, losing their three games by a combined seven points.

Remembering early 80s names like Mel Turpin, Edgar Jones, Ben Poquette, Mark West, and John Bagley.

Hearing Cleveland sportscasting legend Nev Chandler rattle off phrases like ‘stops and pops’ and ‘wheels and deals’ on Channel 43.

GM Wayne Embry’s wonderful 1986 off-season that brought in rookies Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Mark Price and John ‘Hot Rod’ Williams, as well as this crafty young veteran…

Lenny Wilkens leading this group to a franchise rebirth.

This moment is for…

Mark Price’s rainbow jumpers.

Brad Daugherty’s post power and country twang.

Larry Nance’s veteran presence.

Enduring the Cavs 3-2 series loss to the Bulls in 1988.

Enjoying the 1988-89 Cavs roll to franchise record 57 wins.

Rising on Craig Ehlo’s give-and-go lay-up, giving the Cavs a 1-point lead over Chicago.

Deflating as Jordan then hits ‘The Shot’ to win deciding game 5.

Stomaching the Ron Harper for Danny Ferry trade.

Seeing the 1990 end with another 3-2 opening series loss (to Philadelphia).

The 91-92 team finally winning a play-off series (over the Nets), then ending Larry Bird’s career with a game 7 win.  That is followed by ANOTHER series loss to the Bulls.

The 1993 play-offs ending with ANOTHER Jordan game-winning shot.

This moment is for…

Coach Mike Fratello coming to town for six seasons and turning lemons into drinkable (but sometimes unwatchable) lemonade.

Enduring this dated 90s uniforms…

The thrill of coming of Shawn Kemp.

The realization that Kemp was a fading star.

Fratello’s overachieving teams scrapping for post-season berths, only to go 2-12 in losing four opening round series.

1990s names like Terrell Brandon, Chris Mills,  and Tyrone Hill.

Spending a first rounder on some big foreign guy whose fragile feet limited him to 29 games over three years.

Those feet healing up enough to eventually get Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ jersey retired.

Surviving those lean millennial years with shaky draft picks like Trajan Langdon, DeSagana Diop, and Dajaun Wagner.

Watching Ricky Davis try to get a triple double by throwing the ball off his own backboard for a rebound.

This moment is for…

Being terrible and lucky enough to win the 2003 draft lottery.

Cashing that lottery ticket in for this grand prize…

Watching 18-year-old Lebron James go for 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in his debut.

LBJ teaming that year with Carlos Boozer to make a dream duo for years to come.

Cavs’ management foolishly making Boozer a free agent a year early after he gave his word that he would re-sign with the team.  Carlos soon says buh-bye for extra $$.

The King taking his army to the playoffs in year three, knocking off Washington before falling to the defending conference champion Pistons in seven games.

Game 5 of the 2007 conference finals, where LeBron blossoms into an NBA superstar with a 48-point masterpiece, scoring the Cavs’ final 25 in an OT triumph over Detroit.

Boobie Gibson’s 31 points in game six sending Cleveland to its first Finals.

The Spurs showing us in the Finals how far we are from a championship roster.

LBJ-Paul Pierce dueling in the game 7 loss to Boston in 2008.

A 66-win Cavs team getting upset by Orlando in the 2009 conference finals.

The mysterious disappearance of LBJ in game 5 vs. Boston in 2010.

The pain of The Decision.

Losing an NBA-record 26 straight games the first year after LeBron.

Winning the draft lottery in 2012, 2014, and 2015.

The joy of The Return.

LeBron carrying the injury-riddled Cavs in the 2015 Finals.

Going down 3-1 in this year’s Finals.

We’ve never shined brighter.  Savor this Game 7 spotlight!

Follow on twitter:  @macaljancic

Where do you measure up as a fan on the Cleveland playoff confidence barometer as Game 6 approaches?

Level 1:  There’s a game? 

1982 Browns at Raiders.  The 8th-seeded 4-5 Browns lost to the eventual champion Raiders in this awkward, strike-shortened season. No playoff songs for these Browns.

1994 Game 3 Bulls at Cavs.  Do you remember this overtime, series-ending loss? I don’t.  I assume Jordan hit a game-winner.  Just checked.  Wrong.  He was playing baseball.

Level 2:  No Chance, but thanks for the ride.

2007 Spurs at Cavs Game 4:  The surprising Cavs were supposed to be a year away from the Finals.  The Spurs proved that notion.

Level 3:  No chance, so put Old Yeller out of his misery.

1993 Bulls at Cavs Game 4: Jordan hit ‘The Shot II’, completing the sweep.  This was the last hurrah for Lenny Wilkens and the Price-Daugherty-Nance-Ehlo-Hot Rod posse. Forget the pain and  watch this and appreciate Michael’s magnificence.

2007 Cavs at Pistons Game 5:  The Pistons were penciled in to make their third trip to the finals in four years.  But then LeBron had his coming out party, scoring 48 points, including the final 25 for the Cavs, to win in OT and take a 3-2 series lead…

2001 Indians at Mariners Game  5:  After blowing a 2-1 series lead at home with Bartolo Colon pitching, they had to face Tribe-killer Jamie Moyer.  This was the end of the magical Jacobs Field era.

2010 Cavs at Celtics Game 6:  This game followed LBJ’s infamousGgame 5 disappearance where Boston took a 3-2 lead.  LeBron peeled his Cavs’ jersey off after the Celts closed the series out, and soon after, took his talents to South Beach.

Level 6:  That Cat at the nursing home that curls up with the soon-to-be-dead person is now scratching at my door.

2015 Warriors at Cavs Game 6:  With LeBron worn down by carrying the team all series, and Delly’s magic fading into the Australian Outback, the Grim Reaper had a courtside seat for this one.

2016 Cavs at Warriors Game 5:  Even with Draymond Green out, the Cavs’ bandwagon was pretty empty heading into Monday’s Kyrie-LBJ masterpiece.

Level 7:  The Mullet (seemingly confident in the front, but nervous Nellie in the back).

2015 and 2016 Cavs at Warriors Game 1:  you can admit it.  All of those ‘Cavs in 6’ predictions you threw out had all the confidence of that awkward, pimple-faced boy trying to date the hot cheerleader.  Think Ben Stiller’s prom date with Cameron Diaz in There’s Something About Mary.  But block out the ‘zipper’ scene.  That’s more painful to watch than a love child of ‘The Drive’,’The Fumble’, and ‘The Shot’.

Level 8:  The glass looks half-empty. (think a coin flip game while factoring in Cleveland bad luck)

1997 Indians at Marlins Game 7:  Which supernatural power would triumph?  Could a Tribe team of destiny vanquish the Cleveland Curse?

Of course not.

Level 8A:  The glass looks half empty with a feeling that a case of diarrhea might be coming.

1987 Browns at Broncos:   John Elway already had the ‘The Drive’ in his pocket to scare Browns fans.

Level 9:  The glass looks half full.

1986 Broncos at Browns: Browns fans felt that their time had finally arrived for that long-awaited Super Bowl trip. Then John Elway acquired his gastrointestinal powers with ‘The Drive’

Level 9A:  The glass looks half full with a feeling that a case of diarrhea might be coming.

1989 Bulls at Cavs Game 5:  The ‘fear factor’ was high any time Michael Jordan was in the house.  But we were at home!

Then came ‘The Shot’.

Level 10:  We got ’em right where we want ’em

2006 Pistons at Cavs Game 6:  After LeBron’s Game 5 explosion (see Level 4), fans could sense a shift in the East’s balance of power. Detroit looked broken as the Cavs rolled, 98-82.

Level 11:  Wisdom of Han Solo:  “Don’t get cocky!”

Cleveland fans aren’t afraid to show some swagger.

Sometimes it backfires:

2009 Magic at Cavs Game 1:  The 66-win Cavs swept their first two playoff series, and were supposed to roll over Orlando, who just upset the Big-3 Celtics.  But the Cavs blew a 15-point halftime lead in losing this one.

Sometimes it’s backed up:

1995 Red Sox at Indians Game 1:  Even though it was their first play-off game in 41 years, Tribe fans were very cocky about their 100-44 powerhouse team.  The Red Sox stretched this game to 13 innings, but big late game home runs by Albert Belle and Tony Pena got it done.

Level 12:  We’re bigger, we’re bader, and we’re gonna rub your face in it.

In spite of all the suffering, many Cleveland fans have little sympathy for an underdog opponent. It’s hard to blame them for that reaction:  Cleveland rarely has a chance to gloat.

2016 Detroit and Atlanta 4-0 sweeps.  We definitely kicked some sand in the faces of Piston and Hawks fans.

2016 Cavs at Raptors Game 3:  The 98-pound weakling smacked us back in the face after being outscored by 50 in Games 1 and 2.

So where to rate right now?

For Game 6, I was between a 9 and 10.  Cleveland not only had the homecourt edge, but had won two of three while only putting together a complete team performance in Game 3. That 3-game stretch had shown the Cavs that they can play with the Warriors, even without their A-game going.

The WIne and Gold passed their Game 6 test with flying colors.  Now come the ultimate challenge:  Game 7 on the road.

The key  is controlling ‘the comfort zone’.  The Cavs need to keep the Warriors out of this ‘zone’ by continuing to play physical while minimizing easy 3-point looks for Curry and Thompson. LeBron is in Superman mode and is attacking the rim with authority. Add in some quick, decisive ball and body movement that I talked about in this recent article…

And Cavs fans will be doing some serious post-game Sunday tonight.

Just keep the Pepto-Bismol nearby.

Follow the author on Twitter:  @macaljancic

 

Follow the author on Twitter:  @macaljancic

Here is what you might have learned over the last two weeks watching the NBA Finals:

The defensive wisdom of Mark Jackson:  “Hands down, man’s down.”

I think there’s a new Ghostbusters movie coming out.

Good news, Cavs fans:  three teams have come back from an 2-0 deficit.

You either love Jeff Van Gundy or hate him.

I think Anderson Varejao’s popularity rating in Ohio is dipping just a bit.

Bad news, Cavs fans:  32 NBA Finals teams have gone down 3-1, and all have failed.

Kyrie Irving was more than ready to shine on the NBA’s biggest stage.

As for Kevin Love… 2 points and 3 rebounds in 33 minutes in game 5 will not win you a Tony Award.

I love Jeff Van Gundy.

Game 6 would be a great time for a Love-fest.

Steph Curry can pout like an 8th grade girl.

Van Gundy does not love Anderson Varejao.

I like Sulkin’ Steph much more than Smokin’ Steph.

LeBron should wear a mood ring to give Cavs’ fans a heads up as to which LBJ is gonna show up that night.

Shaun Livingston has a sweet pull-up jumper.

The sequel to Matthew Dellavedova’s gutsy 2015 Finals’ performance is even worse than Ghostbusters II.

LeBron can look like a 31-year-old whose best years are behind him.

Kobe Bryant is a Ghostbuster?

Tristan is a beast on the offensive boards.

Mark Jackson likes to ‘get an Amen’ every once in a while.

There was a sighting of a Tristan dribble fade-away jumper!

The first time I saw the Ghostbusters commercial, I was kinda pumped to see the movie.

Varejao flops more than this guy…

For Cavs’ fans, the NBA Finals has more ups and downs than that guy.

LeBron can look like a 24-year old that is an unstoppable freight train and by far, the best player in the world.

Draymond Green is kinda important to the Warriors.

The 101st time I saw the Ghostbusters commercial, I know who I didn’t wanna call.

If you haven’t heard, ESPN is running an O.J. Simpson documentary.

LeBron still has that chase-down swat in his toolbox.

Kyrie and K-Love actually can play hard, and well, on defense.

NBA MVPs have a huge target on their back from fans and the media.  Ask LeBron and Steph.

Draymond Green oughta try out for the Olympic handball team.

According to Van Gundy, the NBA Finals kept O.J. from getting a speeding ticket during that infamous Bronco chase.

When Klay Thompson heats up, his jumper is, in the words of Bruno Mars, “smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.”

I really hate that ‘Warriors’ chant.

I really love hearing  21,000 Cavs fans sing the National Anthem.

Andy Varejao either has very sensitive ears, or he was role-playing Vincent Van Gogh.

When the ball is in his hands, Kyrie reminds me of the nickname of this pair…

SHAKE  AND BAKE!

And lastly, Cavs’ fans, remember the words of this wise writer’s last article…

Even in Cleveland, Miracles Do Happen

The Cavaliers are down 3-1 heading back to Oakland, needing to win three straight against the winningest team in NBA history.  In NBA Finals history, 32 teams went down 3-1.  All 32 failed to win the title.

The glass kinda looks half empty right now.

But, statistically speaking, we have a much better shot of winning the title than 28 other NBA teams, as well as the 147 Cleveland teams since the 1964 Browns that have chased that elusive title.

So perk up Cleveland fans, and remember the words of the great philosopher, Lloyd Christmas…

Even in seemingly cursed Cleveland, plenty of sports miracles have happened:

May 22, 2003:  The Cavaliers have a 22.5 percent chance of winning the NBA draft lottery, which when using proper analytical conversions, equates to 3.1% in Cleveland luck probability.  But the right ping pong ball comes up, and the LeBron stays home.

January 10, 1987:  The Jets go up 20-10 with 4:14 left in a divisional play-off game.  Soon after, Bernie Kosar then throws an incompletion on 2nd and 24 at his own 18 yard line.  But Mark Gastineau gets a stupid roughing the passer penalty that revives the Browns, who come back and win in double overtime.

May 15, 1981:  Cleveland Municipal Stadium is the armpit of the baseball world.  But that night, 7,290 fans brave 49-degree weather to watch Len Barker throw the first MLB perfect game in 13 years.  Sidenote:  I was grounded to my room that night for being a mouthy 10-year old, but Dad let me come down to watch the last three innings.  Another miracle!

May 7, 1989:  In deciding game 5, Michael Jordan hits a jumper with 6 seconds left to give the Bulls a 1-point lead.  But then Craig Ehlo hits a beautiful give-and-go lay-up off an out-of-bounds pass to take the lead.  There were only 3 seconds, left, so nothing else could happen, right? (watch 6:15-7:25 of this video clip, then STOP immediately!)

January 17, 1988:  In Denver for the AFC Championship, the Browns come back from a 21-3 halftime to tie the game at 31.  We will leave it at that.

October 5, 1997:  Down 2 games to 1, and four outs from elimination, Sandy Alomar homers to tie the Yankees.  Cleveland goes on win that series.

May 22, 2009:  Down two with one second left,  LeBron hits this shot to tie the Eastern Conference Finals 1-1 with Orlando.

May 19, 2011:  The Cavs earn the right to draft Kyrie Irving #1 with a traded Clippers draft pick that has a 2.8% chance of winning the draft lottery.

May 21, 2013:  The Cavs use a 15.6% chance to win the draft lottery again.

May 20, 2014:  With only a 1.7% chance, the Cavs AGAIN win the draft lottery.  Did that help lead to…

July 11, 2014:  LBJ makes the stunning announcement that he is returning to the Cavaliers.

June 12, 2016:  The NBA finally mans up and suspends Draymond Green.  Is a follow-up miracle coming?

The chances of winning all three of those recent lotteries was 1 in 13,467.  Time to get this lucky kid and his bow tie on the Cavs’ bench.

Follow the author on twitter:  @macaljancic

Cleveland’s 120-90 romp over Golden State did more than just get the Wine and Gold back in the series.  That statement win kept the Cavaliers’ franchise from being completely leveled.

Here is what likely would have happened if the Cavs dropped game 3:

First, the obvious:

1.  The NBA Finals would have been over.  No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.

2.  The Cavs would have likely been swept.  Ten NBA Finals started 3-0. Only twice has a team avoided a sweep:  the 1951 New York Knicks (lost 4-3) and the 1996 Seattle Supersonics (lost 4-2).  And considering how badly the Warriors have owned Cleveland since game 4 last year, it’s very likely Golden State would have finished it off.

Second, the collateral damage:

3. The Cavalier haters would have drowned out all these loud cicadas:  90% of ESPN NBA airtime would have focused on the collapse of the Cavs, as opposed to the magnificence of the Warriors.  And Twitter, Facebook, and other social media venues would have had thousands piling on the Wine and Gold.

4.  Many Cavalier fans would be showing their fangs.  Everyone loves to hop on the playoff bandwagon when times are good.  But that same bandwagon has plenty of elbow room once the losing tide drifts in.  Especially in Cleveland.  How were your Cavs’ conversations between games 2 and 3?  Negative Ned or Debbie Downer were surely a part of that chat room.

5.  Kyrie and Kevin would be taking on some serious friendly fire.  See #4 above

6.  King James would be facing the guillotine.  When things go bad, the king better have his head on a swivel.  Ask Louis XVI how the French Revolution turned out.  LBJ receives a tidal wave of praise when things go good.  But in bad times, he hasn’t just taken on arrows of criticism.  More like a firing squad of machine guns.

7.  LeBron likely would be looking for a new home.  LeBron wants rings.  And he isn’t getting any younger.  If the current upgraded Cavs’ squad suffered an embarrassing 4-0 sweep, could LBJ see any hope in overtaking Golden State in future years?  Salary cap issues limit Cleveland’s ability to evolve in future years.  Would James want to waste his final peak years in a hopeless situation? Take LeBron out and the Cavs would likely fall back to a borderline lottery team.

THE GOOD NEWS:

Game 3’s win not only got the Cavs back in the series; it broke the Warriors’ dominant spell over Cleveland, and also showed LeBron and company that they are a championship-caliber team.  They didn’t use smoke and mirrors, or grind it out, to get a win.  They dominated the defending champs.  Even if the series doesn’t pan out, Game 3 showed LeBron that he has a foundation of talent around him to contend for titles in future years.

But since we are all dressed up in our finals gear, what do you say that we just win it right now!

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The NBA finals’ MVP right now is not the Splash Brothers, Draymond Green, or Andre Iquodala.  It’s the Golden State team defense.

The Cavaliers have been skewered on and off the court because of their offensive ineptness in games 1 and 2.  But these struggles are greatly due to the Warriors’ ‘Steel Curtain’ D.  Because of their length, athleticism, and team defensive discipline, Cleveland simply cannot get any easy looks at the basket.

Kyrie is a phenomenal drive and finisher, but at every attack, he has at least four long arms between him and the basket.  LeBron has has steamrolled his way to some lay-ups and power dunks, but usually he runs into a gang of Warriors if he hasn’t already been stripped by Iquodala’s ninja-like hands.  Andre must spend his summers being trained by this guy…

Additionally, those offensive rebound putbacks by Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, or LBJ are often thwarted by the Warriors’ length and athleticism.

When a team sags to protect the hoop, that should leave open outside shots, which have been a staple of the Cavs’ offensive diet.  But the Warriors do a tremendous job of closing out on shooters to contest shots.  Generally, fast defensive close outs allow the offense an open highway to drive to the hoop after dropping a shot fake at the toll booth.  But G-State’s length and athleticism not only allow them to close the shooting window quickly, but also get in good team help position to stop follow-up drives.

Their great defense has done more than just limit Cleveland to 38% shooting.  It has created turnovers for easy offensive transition shots.   And most painfully, it has taken away the Cavaliers’ offensive mojo.  For the Cavs, that rim is looking tighter than these 1980s NBA shorts…

How can the Cavaliers turn the tide on this defensive tsunami?  Make quicker, more decisive offensive moves to get the Warriors more out of position.  LeBron has a size advantage to exploit in the post.  But when he gets the ball down low, he has been waiting for a backside double team to come in hopes of finding the open shooter.  The Warriors are just too good to exploit that way.  Instead, LBJ needs to make an immediate move to the hoop while the defense is still in a weakened position.  That will lead to easier LeBron lanes to the hoop or more open shooters as the defense collapses to help.   I discussed this method in this blog after the Cavs’ last play-off win.

They also need to incorporate that quick, decisive aggression when using screens on or away from the ball, and when receiving passes.  That should create more breathing room for shooters.

Mix that offensive mentality with a raucous hometown crowd and an adjusted defensive game plan from Coach Lue–start by eliminating so much switching on screens away from the ball–and the Cavs can put a 2-2 split in their carry-on luggage heading back to Oakland for game 5.

11 days ago, I wrote why the Cavaliers were rolling to a 10-0 playoff start…

5 Reasons Why The Cavs Are Rolling

Here is the cliff notes version:  Cleveland was doing all the right things to get more easy shots than their opponents.

In game one, Golden State said, “Welcome to the adult table.”   The Warriors’ overall talent and execution raises the level of basketball play to another level.   They dominated the five EZ shot categories that I previously propped the Cavs on:

#1:  Ball Movement

The Warriors run a beautiful offense full of passing, picks, and cuts.  Their execution led to numerous easy inside and outside looks.

On the other hand, the Cavs reverted back to their frustrating isolation ball offense.  Set #1 was for LeBron or Kyrie to drive and then either shoot or pass out to a spot-up shooter.  Set #2 was to dump it to Love or James in the post with that same pass or shoot option.  It appeared that Cleveland went to this to better control the tempo.  That choice appeared to backfire.

The problem is that Golden State’s length, athleticism, and defensive discipline made Cleveland grind for shots all game.  They didn’t get many good looks at the rim.  J.R. Smith will hear heavy criticism, but he was never put in position to succeed.

#2:  Dominating the boards

Cleveland did have a 47-41 rebounding advantage, including a 15-9 edge in offensive rebounds.  But Golden State seemed to come up with quite a few easy putbacks off the offensive glass.

 

#3:  Uptempo Offense

The Cavaliers outscored the Warriors 18-9 in fast break points.  But as mentioned before, Golden State’s quick offensive flow, especially transitioning into their half-court offense, created numerous cuts for lay-ups and passes for good looks.  That allowed the Warriors to win the points in the paint battle, 54-42.

  #4:  Team Defense

As stated in #1, the Warrior team defense was outstanding, limiting Cleveland to 38% shooting.  It seemed like on offense, the Cavs were hoping to make challenging shots, while on defense, they were hoping the Warriors would miss open looks.  That is an unlikely method to defeat the 73-win defending champion.

#5  Winning the Turnover Battle

Cleveland turned the ball over 17 times as compared to Golden State’s 9 miscues.  LBJ continually got stripped when driving to the hoop.

 

The optimism that permeated Northeast Ohio over the last week is definitely trending downward after watching game 1 play out.  But remember:  IT’S A LOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGGG SERIES.  Numerous times in the NBA, teams have had dirt thrown on their coffins after one poor performance.  Oklahoma City lost their first game to San Antonio by 32 points before winning four of the next five.  And the vultures were circling Golden State when then lost  game 4 to OKC by 24 to go down 3-1.

The Cavaliers stumbled in their first taste of the NBA playoff fast lane.  They have done a great job adjusting throughout the playoffs.  Expect Coach Lue, Lebron, and the gang to make the proper countermoves for game 2.

E-mail the author:  macaljancic@yahoo.com

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