Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Can the Cavs Win Game 3?

To get right to the point, I think they can. As bad as they've been, Cleveland is going to have an excellent home court advantage. It may not be quite as good as the Golden State crowd in the first round, but I'm expecting something special from the title-depraved fans.

Another plus is that Daniel Gibson might actually get the start tonight. GASP! Starting your second-best player?! What a concept! Before I go overboard with sarcastic praise, I should point out that the main reason this might (and don't forget, it's still a "might" at this point) happen is because Larry Hughes may not be able to overcome his foot injury. I have to give credit to Hughes, who has been giving his all despite the injury, even if he hasn't been very effective. Good for him. Unfortunately it hasn't been so good for the Cavs, who must win tonight if they want to have a legitimate shot in the series.

Though you wouldn't believe that from talking to Mike Brown who said, "The team has a pretty good rhythm when [Hughes] starts." Really? They haven't had any rhythm the last two games, especially in the opening halves, and Tony Parker is starting to get praised as the Finals MVP (which he doesn't deserve, as good as he's been. Duncan is far and away more valuable, sorry Parker fans.). Hughes is a major liability defensively right now and he's never been a reliable enough shooter to make up for it on the other end, especially when he can't get to the rim effectively.

If Brown comes to his senses and plays Gibson for the majority of the game, the Cavs might just have a shot...at this one game. The Spurs will take the series.

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