LeBron Does it Again

Charlie Klein

While the rest of the sporting world had labeled the Orlando Magic the 2009 Eastern Conference Champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers were winning game five. LeBron James added another triple double and came through in the clutch carrying the Cavaliers to a 112-102 win last night at the Quicken Loans Arena.

James proved what his puppet says in the Nike commercial, turn 23 around and it reads triple double! James' 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, including his truly amazing streak during the fourth quarter in which he either scored or assisted on 32 straight points. It was not all LeBron for once in this series for the Cavaliers, as point guard Mo Williams had his first game of over 20 points, contributing six threes and a total of 24 points. One of the most crucial decisions made by Cleveland coach Mike Brown was the insertion of Boobie Gibson, who contributed 11 points, including three crucial three pointers.

For the Magic, while it is surely disappointing to have not closed out the series, they have Game Six in Orlando Saturday night to fall back on. They showed tremendous determination in coming back from being down 22 points early on to close the lead to one point after Rashard Lewis, who if LeBron was not involved in this series, would probably be receiving his just deserts for being a clutch shooter, hit a three as time expired in the second quarter. Hedo Turkoglu had another strong game with 29 points. The most surprisingly impressive player for the Magic has been Mickael Pietrus, who has guarded James better than anyone else in these playoffs. His outstanding defense is not the only thing he offers. Pietrus is also a great shooter, hitting tough shot after tough shot in Game 5, including a difficult step back three.

The Cavaliers showed the reseiliency that had been missing from their performances in Orlando. After watching their lead slip away they came back strong in the fourth quarter and hit the shots they had to in order to force Game 6 in Orlando. Brown's strongest ability as coach is his ability to utilize James in order to not only amplify the King's greatness, but to use that greatness to get other players involved. For ever possession in the fourth quarter the Cavaliers ran James on an isolation and if he was unable to find a shot either Williams or Gibson were open for three's, which at least in Game 5 at home they were able to make.

Even if this series does end in six games with the Magic advancing, the Cavaliers have at least defended their home floor. And if somehow the Cavaliers disprove the sporting world again and win Game 6, Howard and Co. had better look out for the Cavaliers in Game 7.