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It was a downright ugly performance by LeBron James Tuesday night in Cleveland. And it just may be his last in that city as a member of the Cavaliers.
Cavaliers Suffer Worst Playoff Loss in Franchise History
In unquestionably the biggest game of the season for the Cavaliers, King James and company stunk the joint out, suffering a humiliating 120-88 loss to Boston at home in pivotal Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals series vs. the Celtics.
This game was LeBron James at his absolute worst. The NBA’s 3rd leading scorer in the playoffs managed only 15 points (his 4th lowest total in 70 career playoff games) – on a woeful 3-for-14 shooting – and looked tentative the entire game, if not completely disheartened. Potential elbow injury aside, LeBron lacked any real desire and competitive fire on the court in Game 5, leading to the worst playoff loss in the Cavaliers 41-year franchise history.
| Cavaliers LeBron James talks about the 120-88 loss to Celtics in Game 5: NBA Playoffs |
LeBron Couldn't Match Shaq's Intensity in Game 5
The City Of Cleveland Deserves Better From LeBron James
I gotta tell you, I fell sorry for Cleveland. Aside from the fact that they haven’t won any sort of championship since 1964 (Browns’ AFL Champs), and despite the fact the city is in financial despair, they remain a solid sports town who have showed incredible loyalty and commitment to LeBron and the Cavs since his arrival 7 years ago.
Last night, those fans were completely abandoned.
This year was supposed to be the Cavs year. They loaded up on key parts – including Shaq and Antawn Jamison – to help LeBron make a serious run at a championship.
61 regular season wins. Home court advantage throughout. Everything was in place.
Except a contract for King James beyond this season.
The Love LeBron Receives In Cleveland Is Not Necessarily Mutual
LeBron James Will NOT Be Back In Cleveland Next Season
So after weeks and months of speculation as to where LeBron would end up next season, he responds with the worst performance of his playoff career in the team’s most important game to date. Last night wasn’t about LeBron quitting on his teammates or his coach – it was about him quitting on Cleveland.
It was a cowardly act.
Cavs’ Owner Daniel Gilbert – who spared no expense in assembling a championship-caliber squad to surround LeBron this season – expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance in Game 5, during a postgame interview with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “The last two home playoff losses and the manner in which we lost these games does not come close to being anywhere near the high expectations all of us have of our organization. Our fans and supporters deserve more.”
If LeBron wants to leave Cleveland and go to New York next season, that’s his prerogative. But right now he owes the city and their fans a lot more than what he showed Tuesday night. A lot more. I’m talking about an effort befitting of a superstar and a champion. In Game 5, he failed miserably on both counts.
It will be interesting to see how he responds with the Cavs’ season on the line in Boston in Game 6. But should the Cavs lose, he will ultimately leave the city of Cleveland behind with zero championships – and a tarnished legacy.
More Related Stories On LeBron James and the Cavaliers
- Fans react on Game 5 and LeBron’s future (Plain-Dealer)
- LeBron lost as Celtics embarrass Cavaliers (Bettor.com)
- Understanding the intricacies of LeBron’s Game 5 letdown (ProBasketballTalk)
That was about the worst thing I have seen in pro sports. LeCrap James just went down about 5 notches on the honor belt. Hey LeBron go take your max contract and spend it on hookers and coke in NY you sell out punk. If you single handedly win game 6 and 7 I’ll eat my words but I am not putting my money on that outcome you bag of dirt. Just had a bad game??? I don’t think so buddy. King James??? Maybe this little puke has been pandered too much. Even if you win somewhere else your career will always be marked by this performance loser.
I love how they always have some “injury” excuse in their back pocket. Show me one guy that isn’t hurting after 82 games and a playoff round. We’re not talking about a rookie here he knows the score. Say what you want about Kobe’s personal life he brings it on the court every time. He is a champion. There is no comparison any longer. I’ll take Kobe “broken finger, tape up my knee just get me on the court Bryant” with his personal problems over this sack of crap. Oh boo hoo he’s got an injury. Whoever is making excuses for him why don’t you just get on your knees and take his pants down and do it for the cameras.
How much money do you make per game again Lebron? Paid by hard working blue collar citizens of Cleveland. You don’t like it, quit. Oh I forgot you already did.
Greatest player in the world? The greatest players in the world win big games. In 7 years not one finals appearance. Nuff said.
“The Celtics sent LeBron James and the Cavs on another early vacation. The question: Did LeBron play his final game for Cleveland?”
CASE EMPHATICALLY CLOSED!
“James and the Cavs lost Game 6 of the conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics, 94-85, but he hardly seemed devastated in the losing locker room. James had a triple-double that was devalued with nine turnovers. He shot 44 percent for the series, turned the ball over 27 times and behaved like a lousy leader.”
“Truth be told, James did something no champion would’ve ever dared: He quit on his teammates in Game 5 and that made it easy for the rest of them – and James – to quit in the final minutes of Game 6.”
source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ArLHBP9C2sJ9V8s_LptVSJG8vLYF?slug=aw-lebroncalipari051410
couldn’t have written it better myself
“The next time you hear James, as the franchise star, say, “This was on me,” will be the first.”
bingo!