But the difference in the Cavs-Celtics series thus far, with the Celtics racing to a 2-0 lead and barely having to break a sweat to do it, has been personnel, plain and simple.
Yes, the Cavs' offense continues to elicit puzzled declarations from TV pundits, most recently ESPN's Stephen A. Smith at halftime of Thursday night's game. But the truth is, Cleveland doesn't have the horses that Boston has.
Credit Danny Ainge, the Celtics' director of basketball operations, for that. What he pulled off in personnel moves over the past year sparked one of the most dramatic turnarounds in sports history. Ray Allen...Kevin Garnett...James Posey...Glen Davis...P.J. Brown...Sam Cassell...the list of additions since June is impressive, and it's the reason the Celtics have reclaimed their former status as one of the NBA's elite teams.The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have struggled all season to find the right combination. This after making it to the NBA Finals a year ago. No doubt growing increasingly anxious as players like Allen, Garnett and Pau Gasol switched uniforms and instantly made contenders out of their new teams, Cavs GM Danny Ferry pulled the trigger on that now-famous trade in February. It was a risk, and it would be hard to assert that it's paid off.
Better known for their defense than offense last season, the Cavs have struggled to find a combination that can get the job done at both ends of the floor. Delonte West has shown flashes of brilliance, but Larry Hughes did that. Wally Szczerbiak has never found a rhythm in Cleveland. Ben Wallace and Joe Smith have not proven to be an upgrade over Drew Gooden. At best, the trade has been a wash.
The team is battling, rather valiantly at times. They duked it out with Washington in the first round and were the ones standing at the end. But the truth is, they've been overmatched by the Celtics -- in talent, execution, and energy. That's what happens. Better teams win for a reason, and Boston is showing, thus far, that they're the better team.
And an update...
Tuesday I expressed my hope that Jason Michaels, designated for assignment the previous day by the Indians, would catch on elsewhere. Thursday the Tribe sent him to Pittsburgh, where his veteran presence should help the Pirates. Good for him, and happy trails.
1 comment:
Boston was the best team during the season. It looks like they've found their groove now in the playoffs. They could be tough for anybody to beat. LBJ is trying to do it all. Nobody can do that. Last night Ilgauskis started out scorching hot and it opened up Boston's defense. Then the Cavs stopped going to him. It was working before that, why did they stop? Coming home will help but they still have to win at least one in Boston and that's not likely to happen.
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