Lil Red Machine

LeBron was going to have to put together a monster performance, and someone on the supporting cast was going to have to step up in a large way in order for the Cavs to keep their season alive.

Mission accomplished.

LeBron James put together a triple double, totally 37 points/14 rebounds/12 assists, Mo Williams totaled 24 points, and even little used Daniel Gibson–the playoff hero of a few seasons ago, hit some large three pointers off the bench, as the Cavs won 112-102.

I don’t think that Cleveland really unveiled a special plan to counter the Magic attack. Orlando got a lot of open looks from downtown, but only shot at a slightly less than .333 clip from beyond the arc. Those shots normally fall, but not Thursday night. Hedo Turkoglu and Dwight Howard did the job, but they didn’t get much help.

If Cleveland has any hope of winning this series, they have to close down their perimeter D. They can’t count on Orlando struggling like that from long distance again.

At one stretch late in the game, LeBron had a hand in 32 consecutive points. He played outstanding, but expended alot of energy. Will he have to play like THAT for the Cavs to win the next 2 games? He’s certainly capable of it, but it’s a tall task.

I still think Orlando has the upper hand in this series, but I’m glad Cleveland didn’t go out on their homecourt, especially after blowing their big lead like it did. That would’ve left an unbelievably awful taste in their mouth.