I was in a sports bar just outside The Q when the shot went in.  I can't imagine what it was like in the Q, but in the streets the cheering seemed to come from everywhere.  It was an amazing atmosphere.

I like this article from CBSSports the best:

 

 

LeBron erases Cleveland's pain with his own Mike moment

May 23, 2009

By Gregg Doyel, CBSSports.com National Columnist

 

CLEVELAND -- Until now, LeBron didn't have a Michael Moment. LeBron James had an MVP and a scoring title.  He had all kinds of points and dunks and fans.  He had that crazy game in the 2007 playoffs when he scored Cleveland's final 25 points in a double-overtime victory against Detroit.  But only now, with a 23-footer at the buzzer to win Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals Friday night, did LeBron get his very own Michael Moment.

 

His first Michael Moment, that is. There are more to come. Maybe even in this postseason. But Friday night when he hit that 23-footer to give Cleveland a 96-95 victory against Orlando, it was the first time that James -- His Airness' first and only legitimate heir -- turned in a single, signature moment worthy of Michael Jordan himself.

 

Full story at http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/11777419

 

This is great!

 

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4201858&categoryid=2378529

I laughed. A lot. Crazy, giddy laughter.

 

If they can pull off more shit like that, I'll be a happy camper.

This is great!

 

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4201858&categoryid=2378529

 

hilarious!!!

 

well...one thing we didn't expect or need tonight was a stone cold lebron. ugh.  :|

 

 

Hard fought game with TONS of fouls.  Let's hope we can regroup and win this next one in Orlando, bringing the momentum back to Cleveland.

Stop settling for outside shots and drive to the basket!  It's what they're good at, and they're not doing it for whatever reason (be it the Orlando defense or whatever else).  They should at least try it for a quarter since the crap they're doing right now isn't working.

Ouch. I couldn't even watch this game so I changed the channel in the first quarter and watched a movie instead. I fell asleep mid-movie anyway, having been awake since 7 a.m. London time, or 2 a.m. Cleveland time.

I've already posted about this possible deal in the "Cleveland General Business" thread....but how about China getting on the side of Cleveland.  influx of immigrants anyone??

 

From the Washington Post:

 

Chinese predict Yao-Lebron pairing after investment report

By Nick Mulvenney

Tuesday, May 26, 2009; 12:42 AM

 

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese basketball fans are already gleefully predicting Yao Ming will join LeBron James at the Cleveland Cavaliers after reports a Hong Kong-based company is set to take a minority share in the NBA franchise.  U.S. media reported over the weekend that New World Development Company was to take a 15 percent holding in the Cavaliers, the second-largest stake after owner Dan Gilbert.

 

The NBA is hugely popular in China with hundreds of millions tuning in to games involving Houston Rockets center Yao and the report has been met with great enthusiasm in Internet chat rooms.  "It's very clear that the Cavaliers' next step is to buy Yao Ming," one netizen said on Sina.com.  "And then to win the league championship, and then to build a Cavaliers' dynasty!"

 

Full story at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/26/AR2009052600040.html

^ Interesting..

Well people, i have faith in this team.  Tonight is the biggest game besides game 7 last year in boston i think i have seen.  As fans, most are panicked, but I dont think Lebron is panicked at all...and this series means a ton of a lot more to him and his legacy than it does for us.  If he ever wants to be the best ever, he needs to win some rings and surpass Jordan.  He better get on that.  I believe in these guys getting a huge game 4 win.

^Agreed.  I'm a little nervous, but confident in our team. 

 

Adding Yao to Cleveland's roster would be GREAT.

Man would that fill a hole if Yao were to come here.

We have to wait intil 2010 for Yao to be unrestricted, so that would mean not only signing him, but also re-signing Lebron to a new long term contract.  What a summer that would be. 

I believe we still have room for 2 max contracts if we don't resign Varejao and some other things fall into place.  I don't remember what they all are or if it'd even be worth it, but I think it's a possibility we could offer 2 max contracts at the end of next season if we really wanted to.

Notice how the conversation has moved to the future?

Ha, that's because I'm too nervous to talk about tonight.

 

I believe tonight is the series.  I feel if we can take this game in Orlando, as bad as we've played the first 3 games to come out of this stretch tied 2-2 and coming home, then we should be able to take the series.  If we lose tonight, the season is pretty much over.

i agree. coming back from down 3-1 is asking for a bigger miracle than a long range last second three. we gotta split or that's it. even better heading home if we win one big like the nuggets just did.

Mo's guarantee a series victory. I pray to the basketball Gods, that doesn't come back to haunt us.

The last time I saw a bunch of chokers this bad, they were on a poster demonstrating the Heimlich maneuver! :roll:

I'M NOT GIVING UP ON THE CAVS!!! THAT'S WHY THE SERIES IS PLAYED TO 4 AND NOT 3, LET'S GO!!!

...... ...... ..... ..... ... ...........

 

^ All I can say

That didnt look like a team that was ready to give up.  When we play pissed off at home, we usually roll...and we will set aside game 7 for discussion at a later time.  Can we all agree this is going to come down to game 6 on Saturday night?  In my mind, there is no real evidence saying we cant win that game.

Ugh, Sloppy ball handhandling is killing us.

As Dandy Don Meredith used to sing:

 

"Turn out the lights, the party's over...."

Dammit!

 

This is the first of the Cavs' new promotional posters for the 2010 season!

 

(I still love them, but please...throw the city of Cleveland a bone once in a while)

Why do I want to fire then kill all these annoying ass Boston fans that work for me?

 

My deceitfull ass assistants, put a Heimlich maneuver disc in the DVD player with all these cavs clips.

 

I hate everyone in the office!  :whip:

I think this is so hard for a lot of people in cleveland because the cleveland and national media pretty much was guaranteeing a cavaliers championship. Most of my friends who follow basketball (not me) were saying this whole season that the cavs will easily win the title and were already planning on where to party the night they won. Nobody has one jack s*it in this town besides Cleveland City and the Crunch (not major championships to most), and this city is not "owed" anything

well here's the positive news blurb for today:

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2009/05/cleveland_cavaliers_vs_orlando_9.html

 

Kudos, Cavs fans: The Orlando Sentinel interviewed TNT's Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith prior to Tuesday's game. Here's what Smith had to say about Cavaliers fans:

 

Q: How does Orlando rank in terms of crowd excitement compared to other cities?

 

Kenny: They're good. I would say middle of the pack honestly. Cleveland is definitely No. 1. Their pregame rituals and hype ... I thought it was corny until I was there. They're at the top of the list right now

 

Yep. I thought the Cleveland Browns were a cinch to win the Super Bowl in 1986. I became emotionally committed to that team. I was a deeply hurt 19-year-old when I was at Cleveland Stadium and saw Elway's drive. People think that drive won the game. It didn't. It only forced overtime. But the Browns and the fans were emotionally deflated, just like now with the Cavs.

 

The following year, and in 1988, and in 1989, I thought the Browns had a good shot to win the Super Bowl, but I was never as sure as I was in 1986.

 

I was relatively emotionally involved with the Cavaliers in the 1989 season which ended with The Shot. I got involved again in 1992, but less so, as the Cavs reached the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls did it again.

 

In 1995, I was pretty sure the Indians would win the World Series. We had a dominant team and I was emotionally invested. When the championship didn't happen that year, I tried to stay emotionally involved in the next couple of years. That was made easier during the wonderful playoff run in 1997. When the Indians entered the 9th inning of the seventh game of the World Series with a lead against the Marlins, I got in my car and drove downtown to get a head start on the victory celebration. The game was already in extra innings by the time I arrived.

 

After that, I vowed I would never get emotionally involved in a sports team again. I've been very tempted these last several years with the Cavs. I've watched most Cavs games this year, but the moment things get bad for them, I have to turn off the TV or change the channel.

 

After more than 20 years of heartbreak, I have a fear of commitment with Cleveland sports teams, or any sports teams at all. If the Cavs manage to somehow salvage this series, I will be happy, to be sure. But I won't be ecstatic like I would have been 20 years ago.

 

I can never let myself enjoy this, even if the Cavs season turns out OK. Maybe a Cleveland championship will happen in my lifetime. Maybe not. But you get to the point where it doesn't matter anymore.

Yep. I thought the Cleveland Browns were a cinch to win the Super Bowl in 1986. I became emotionally committed to that team. I was a deeply hurt 19-year-old when I was at Cleveland Stadium and saw Elway's drive. People think that drive won the game. It didn't. It only forced overtime. But the Browns and the fans were emotionally deflated, just like now with the Cavs.

 

The following year, and in 1988, and in 1989, I thought the Browns had a good shot to win the Super Bowl, but I was never as sure as I was in 1986.

 

I was relatively emotionally involved with the Cavaliers in the 1989 season which ended with The Shot. I got involved again in 1992, but less so, as the Cavs reached the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls did it again.

 

In 1995, I was pretty sure the Indians would win the World Series. We had a dominant team and I was emotionally invested. When the championship didn't happen that year, I tried to stay emotionally involved in the next couple of years. That was made easier during the wonderful playoff run in 1997. When the Indians entered the 9th inning of the seventh game of the World Series with a lead against the Marlins, I got in my car and drove downtown to get a head start on the victory celebration. The game was already in extra innings by the time I arrived.

 

After that, I vowed I would never get emotionally involved in a sports team again. I've been very tempted these last several years with the Cavs. I've watched most Cavs games this year, but the moment things get bad for them, I have to turn off the TV or change the channel.

 

After more than 20 years of heartbreak, I have a fear of commitment with Cleveland sports teams, or any sports teams at all. If the Cavs manage to somehow salvage this series, I will be happy, to be sure. But I won't be ecstatic like I would have been 20 years ago.

 

I can never let myself enjoy this, even if the Cavs season turns out OK. Maybe a Cleveland championship will happen in my lifetime. Maybe not. But you get to the point where it doesn't matter anymore.

 

KJP I was emotionally wrapped up in those games as you.  I think you need to talk to someone about your relationship with Cleveland's sports teams.

 

;)

Yep. I thought the Cleveland Browns were a cinch to win the Super Bowl in 1986. I became emotionally committed to that team. I was a deeply hurt 19-year-old when I was at Cleveland Stadium and saw Elway's drive. People think that drive won the game. It didn't. It only forced overtime. But the Browns and the fans were emotionally deflated, just like now with the Cavs.

 

The following year, and in 1988, and in 1989, I thought the Browns had a good shot to win the Super Bowl, but I was never as sure as I was in 1986.

 

I was relatively emotionally involved with the Cavaliers in the 1989 season which ended with The Shot. I got involved again in 1992, but less so, as the Cavs reached the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bulls did it again.

 

In 1995, I was pretty sure the Indians would win the World Series. We had a dominant team and I was emotionally invested. When the championship didn't happen that year, I tried to stay emotionally involved in the next couple of years. That was made easier during the wonderful playoff run in 1997. When the Indians entered the 9th inning of the seventh game of the World Series with a lead against the Marlins, I got in my car and drove downtown to get a head start on the victory celebration. The game was already in extra innings by the time I arrived.

 

After that, I vowed I would never get emotionally involved in a sports team again. I've been very tempted these last several years with the Cavs. I've watched most Cavs games this year, but the moment things get bad for them, I have to turn off the TV or change the channel.

 

After more than 20 years of heartbreak, I have a fear of commitment with Cleveland sports teams, or any sports teams at all. If the Cavs manage to somehow salvage this series, I will be happy, to be sure. But I won't be ecstatic like I would have been 20 years ago.

 

I can never let myself enjoy this, even if the Cavs season turns out OK. Maybe a Cleveland championship will happen in my lifetime. Maybe not. But you get to the point where it doesn't matter anymore.

 

Do i like the cavaliers, browns, or indians? No, but i do love cleveland and root for all those teams because they have cleveland, in one way or another, spelled across the chest. My heart and soul lies with rangers football club to the point to where i get emotionally and physically depressed at losses. I wasnt old enough to remember the drive or the fumble but my dad was there for it, i do remember the 95 world series and 97 world series collapse, and thats about it. Cavs were never 'supposed' to win the title in 07 when they played Spurs, but damnit downtown was amazing after game 6 win vs detroit. This year was different, from day 1 they were set to make the finals, and as the season went on it was "were already champions". I truly dont think this series is quite over yet. From the games i saw they played like pure sh*t and look how close they were in every game. Im not quite giving up just yet on this team. Cmon Cleveland!!

I truly dont think this series is quite over yet. From the games i saw they played like pure sh*t and look how close they were in every game. Im not quite giving up just yet on this team. Cmon Cleveland!!

 

Very true.  But I thought the same thing going into game 4.  Once again, we missed many open shots, and especially some clutch 3's down the stretch.  If we play well, we WILL beat this team.  The problem is that now we have to play well 3 games in a row.

I truly dont think this series is quite over yet. From the games i saw they played like pure sh*t and look how close they were in every game. Im not quite giving up just yet on this team. Cmon Cleveland!!

 

Very true. But I thought the same thing going into game 4. Once again, we missed many open shots, and especially some clutch 3's down the stretch. If we play well, we WILL beat this team. The problem is that now we have to play well 3 games in a row.

 

But can orlando keep up the 65% three point shooting they pulled off in the second half? If they dont then cleveland has a legit shot at winning game 5, if not then its wait till next year again.

I truly dont think this series is quite over yet. From the games i saw they played like pure sh*t and look how close they were in every game. Im not quite giving up just yet on this team. Cmon Cleveland!!

 

Very true. But I thought the same thing going into game 4. Once again, we missed many open shots, and especially some clutch 3's down the stretch. If we play well, we WILL beat this team. The problem is that now we have to play well 3 games in a row.

 

But can orlando keep up the 65% three point shooting they pulled off in the second half? If they dont then cleveland has a legit shot at winning game 5, if not then its wait till next year again.

 

The problem is that I've thought the same thing after each game.  So far they have been able to keep up this ridiculous overachieving.  Somebody different steps up each game, and the ball is bouncing their way.  Since whe is Rafer Alston known as a good shooter?  But he couldn't miss last night, including a banked 3 pointer (lucky).

KJP I was emotionally wrapped up in those games as you. I think you need to talk to someone about your relationship with Cleveland's sports teams.

 

;)

 

Nah. I think an arms-length relationship with sports teams is healthy anyway. I no longer invest my emotions into things over which I have no influence in their outcome.

 

Cleveland sports has taught me that, the hard way!

I get very emotional during the games but I'm over it about 30 min after the game is over.

I get very emotional during the games but I'm over it about 30 min after the game is over.

 

I'm the same way, I think. Although game 3 was ridiculous.

 

I really want them to win this series, but it's a mountain to climb at this point. It'd be tough for any team to come back from this.

KJP I was emotionally wrapped up in those games as you.  I think you need to talk to someone about your relationship with Cleveland's sports teams.

 

;)

 

Nah. I think an arms-length relationship with sports teams is healthy anyway. I no longer invest my emotions into things over which I have no influence in their outcome.

 

Cleveland sports has taught me that, the hard way!

 

Maybe you should be In Treatment

Well- it doesnt look good.  But I cant count Lebron out until they give him the death blow.  Just ask the 2004 red sox how the best way to break a curse is...defy all odds when everyone doubts you.

Well- it doesnt look good.  But I cant count Lebron out until they give him the death blow.  Just ask the 2004 red sox how the best way to break a curse is...defy all odds when everyone doubts you.

 

If they dont win the series, LBJ is as good as gone in my book!

Well- it doesnt look good.  But I cant count Lebron out until they give him the death blow.  Just ask the 2004 red sox how the best way to break a curse is...defy all odds when everyone doubts you.

 

No Kidding. Its not over till you win 4 or loose 4. Its going to be tough, but we just have to take it one game at time.

Maybe you should be In Treatment

 

Who is that?

Maybe you should be In Treatment

 

Who is that?

 

A therapist.

I still dont think Lebron would leave if we lose this series.  He is happy here, and now his marketing expands to China.  He would be dumb to go anywhere else.  If he leaves this town without a title, he will be seen as a failure who couldnt lead his team to a title  in 7 years.  he doesnt want that title.

I still dont think Lebron would leave if we lose this series.  He is happy here, and now his marketing expands to China.  He would be dumb to go anywhere else.  If he leaves this town without a title, he will be seen as a failure who couldnt lead his team to a title  in 7 years.  he doesnt want that title.

 

Not to mention the fact that the Knicks aren't championship material currently while the Cavs are....  And the Cavs can pay him more than anyone else.

I still dont think Lebron would leave if we lose this series.  He is happy here, and now his marketing expands to China.  He would be dumb to go anywhere else.  If he leaves this town without a title, he will be seen as a failure who couldnt lead his team to a title  in 7 years.  he doesnt want that title.

 

Not to mention the fact that the Knicks aren't championship material currently while the Cavs are....

Pumpkin, do we look and have we played like championship material?

I still dont think Lebron would leave if we lose this series. He is happy here, and now his marketing expands to China. He would be dumb to go anywhere else. If he leaves this town without a title, he will be seen as a failure who couldnt lead his team to a title in 7 years. he doesnt want that title.

 

Not to mention the fact that the Knicks aren't championship material currently while the Cavs are....

Pumpkin, do we look and have we played like championship material?

 

Moreso than the Knicks!