It's been almost 11 months since LeBron James walked off the court in Orlando after the Cavaliers were eliminated by the Magic in six games in the Eastern Conference finals, but he says the pain from that loss is fresh in his mind.
Cleaveland Cavaliers' ace player Lebron James says he has been waiting for the start of this year's playoffs since he walked off the court last May in Orlando after the Cavaliers lost Game 6 and the Eastern Conference finals to the Magic. Promising to be better than ever, Lebron James said he knows what a championship would mean for the Cleveland area.
"It feels like yesterday, It hurt for a long time when you've got to hold that in all summer and all regular season to get back to this point. I'll be happy Saturday when I get an opportunity to release it." Lebron James said after the Cavs' first practice in preparation for Saturday's first-round opener against the Chicago Bulls.
"It would mean everything, I'm trying everything possible to do it. It would mean a lot to a lot of fans, a lot of dreams. I would be happy to be a part of it." NBA 2009 MVP player Lebron James added.
It's been a while since the Cavaliers had a game that mattered. Thankfully, Wednesday was the last meaningless game on the schedule. With LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and Mo Williams watching from the bench, the Cavaliers completed a week of officially endorsed NBA scrimmages with a 99-83 loss to Atlanta. With their first-round playoff opponent settled, the Cavaliers will host the Chicago Bulls this weekend in the opener of their chase of the franchise's first NBA title.
Unfortunately, perhaps it would have made some happier if the Cavaliers came out and declared that James had a phony injury. Achilles tendinitis was popular back when there was an injury list. So was bursitis. Then there wouldn't have been an issue, just lots of concern over Lebron James' health or more criticism because the team wasn't being truthful.
Moreover, the Cavaliers players did not like having to take it on the chin over the last 10 days. This is a team that hadn't lost four in a row in 2.5 seasons. They were restless during the loss tonight and in the second half just wanted to get the game over and it showed. A case can be made that the team risked losing its edge by laying down for the last four games. There are historical references that can support both sides. The Cavaliers' recent history suggests they will struggle opening the playoffs because they don't adjust quickly to changes. But judgment will have to be saved until the weekend for that.
The Cavaliers totally have given up on this game. They are barely moving by NBA standards. Their defense is lethargic at best and they are just going through the motions when it comes to rebounding. They are now 16-of-30 at the foul line.
"This is what everyone was brought here for. This is why everybody worked hard in the off-season and all year long. This is the time, now.” Lebron James said after the Cavaliers' first practice in preparation for Saturday's first-round opener against the Chicago Bulls.
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