photo courtesy Craig Hatfield, distributed under Creative Commons
DAY THIRTY-NINE - Game six. In Cleveland. After LeBron James put on one of the greatest playoff performances of all-time, his teams needs only one more win to advance to the NBA Finals.
Pistons at Cleveland, 8:30 PM, TNT
Winner: Cavaliers
Thoughts: I can't believe it. I really can't. Somehow, last season, and this season, as the Cavaliers have advanced through the playoffs I always found myself a little surprised at how well they were doing. And now, with Cleveland on the verge of the Finals, it's really starting to set in - this team is a real contender. Maybe I'm wrong, or more accurately, considering I picked Detroit to win this series, maybe I'm right. Maybe Detroit will come back to win from down 3-2 like they did last season. Maybe Chauncey Billups will finally go off for a huge game. Maybe the Pistons will stop LeBron cold. Sure, than after that maybe they'll go punch out God.
I don't remember who or why, but I remember reading a headline the other day from a writer claiming to be "almost afraid to write about Kobe Bryant" after all the trade on again/off again demands. At the time I thought the notion was silly, but sitting here now, considering what LeBron has done over the last three games, I understand the fear involved in picking against this man. Again, maybe I'm wrong here and LeBron can't keep up this pace and Detroit manages to extend the series. But LeBron James in by far the best player in this series, and with everything on the line, I'm taking the team with the best player. These games have been close, and we've all seen what happens when LeBron doesn't come through late. Now that he's found his rhythm, however, Cleveland will have the edge coming down the stretch in a tight contest. Cavs win.
*all times Eastern
Jordan's Playoff Pick so far:
44/74 - 59%
THE FINALS BEGIN JUNE 7TH!