Nice job Ivan. And great job DeShawn. This team is a lot tougher than any of the previous versions in recent years. Now if they can all just get home safely from this party tonight, it would be a great bday for Caron. Updates on the party Ivan?

http://caronbutler3.com/?p=61

so glad wiz won...lebron needs to be put in his place

"He had that scowl he gets and he was looking at the ref like the guy forgot to mow his lawn or something."

Priceless.

I love that our writers are going after soft leBron also

"For a guy who always talks about how he played football in high school, LeBron sure doesn't like contact."

nice... very nice. such a good win for the wiz... i am loving DeShawn more and more every game.

great reporting by carter and lee also. that exchange with Eddie jordan about double teaming lebron is priceless. it's encouraging knowing that the coach was right. as a redskins fan, it never really sits well when an outsider's suggestion makes more sense than that of the team's official.

Tough Juice
DeShawn
Antawn "pretty shot" Jamison
Daniels and...
Haywood/Blatche

with gilbert coming off the bench?!?!

are you kidding me?

watch out toronto... the wiz are about to take over yourspot in order for us to meet the cavs in the playoffs.

i wonder if skip bayless noticed deshawn...

I was hoping to lay into La Braun as soon I stopped watching that game, but Ivan's done a good enough job as it is. Instead, I will focus on how pathetic TNT's coverage last night:

a) Marv Albert was either drunk or thinking about wearing bra's the whole evening, because he was getting a large percentage of calls wrong. Dude didn't know who was getting fouls and who was scoring.

b) Reggie Miller and Fertello were bickering all god damn night. It was beyond childish, especially for two announcers who suck at being announcers.

c) They make Comcast's production seem professional.

I just realized near the end of the game that TNT's coverage of the games with Albert are produced by a childhood friend of mine, Scooter Vertino. I heard Marv thank his production staff and heard his name. There couldnt possibly be 2 Scooter Vertino's in basketball.

He was the point guard on Flint Hill Preps boys basketball team when Dennis Scott was there.

kudos to deshawn. let lebron know where he stands.

I am glad the Wiz won also because Charles Barkley and his crew totally dismissed and disrespected the Wiz during their broadcast. They did no pregame analysis on this game because "Charles" just knew Lebron and his merrymen would win. He stated the Wiz was only in the 7th seed because the East was so dismal. That guy really gets under my skin. Anyway....Magic took up for the Wiz and had good things to say. Great game boys! I was so glad to see Lebron missed that shot because he just knew he was going to win it! He even told Gilbert he was shooting the game winner. Hah!!! Priceless. You go Stevenson! I hear ya. Loved the Wiz swagger.

LOL!

Les BouleS might have to make the PR dude that follows Gilby around do double duty and keep tabs on what DS says too.

It'll be interesting how it goes if Les BouleS actually meet the Cavs in the playoffs. Of course, Les BouleS were missing Gilby last night, but I'm sure the Cavs are anxiously waiting for Danny Gibson and Big Z to get back, along with the new players on the team gelling with Lebron. I'm sure they'll welcome back the battle tested Eric Snow too.

Last night's game was on TNT instead of ESPN, but it was still better than Comcast. Never on Comcast would you have the really good oncourt reporting (Cheryl Miller) and close in sound bites. One gem was a sound bite from AJ talking trash to his teammates about how Damon Jones is too old to have a fro-hawk. Classic.

I agree that Lebron is overrated. I never saw anyone getting away with traveling so much when he goes to the basket. I wonder if anyone whispered in his ear before he missed that last basket. He's good at that.

If you look at the stats, you can see that the Cavs dominated the boards 51-36, with an 18-7 advantage on the offensive boards. But, the Cavs also had 8 more turnovers that can probably be attributed to the new guys on their team. Les BouleS seemed more hungry on D though.

LeBron is NOT overrated. He's one of the best in the game and possible going down as one of the best ever. He's probably the only guy in the league that could average a triple double for a season. That being said, I'm sick of the hype, too. I'm also glad that we have some guys who aren't afraid of him. I agree with DS's attitude but not with his comments. I would love to see us play the Cavs in a series. I think we're better.
Now if we're talking about overrated, let's look south to Dwayne Wade. He travels more than anyone in the league.

Ivan, telling it like it is! Testify, brother!

Tru, Lebron is so overrated that he carried the Cavs into the finals last season. If Lebron is overrated, then what does that make of "tru warrior" based on last season's Cavs sweep in the playoffs?

Got to agree with Stevenson, About time James learns to play some good old fashioned basketball. He needs to learn how to dust himself off after a hard foul like Daniels does.

If the guy wants to be "King" of the league he needs to be put to the test like MJ was by the Celtics and the Pistons. Then is he wants to act like the second coming we'd all know he earned it.

In 42 years of watching the NBA I've learned to except the "star" system on foul calls. Don't like it, don't think it's right, but anybody that watches NBA games knows it's there. I've NEVER seen another player get elevated into star status quicker then LaTravel!

The guy simply can not make a move without walking. And last night several times he did the hop and then the step in the lane. But the worst had to be the hop then the step and the charge, but HE went to the line.

Great win, liked the fact that the Wiz played James straight up. He was going for the win, he didn't want to play overtime on a back to back. Stevenson played it well and didn't give him an easy look.

Anybody catch Gil's comments on TNT? Sounds like he's getting real close, and the Doctors had to talk him out of making his debut last night. He's feeling better because it was a big game and he wanted to be out there. Didn't here any fear in his voice when he was talking about playing last night. With no setbacks sounds like he'll be back giving this team some swag real soon.

Butler will take a couple of games to get his wind back, but it sure was good to see Tough Juice back out there. First order of business when Butler and Gil get up to speed is to take some load off of Jamison for awhile. Jordan may even want to find a spot to sit the guy down for a couple of games.

What a warrior, that guy has carried this team, and along with Stevenson and Daniels has set the tone all year long. 32-32 with the injuries to Butler and Arenas is quite a job. This is a stronger and more determined team then I've seen from these guys before.

If they can get healthy the playoffs could be alot of fun around here.

I agree...Jamison definitely deserves a couple days rest and it would be foolish not to give it to him after we have made caron and gilbert take their time coming back so as to make sure they are healthy for the playoffs. With Gilbert and Caron back we should be able to start AB instead of jamison and not miss a beat for a couple games... at the least stay around .500

What the heck does it matter whether the game is on TNT, ESPN, or Comcast or even NBA TV (at the same time)? Anyone can choose which station they want to watch. You are not forced to watch Comcast.

"What the heck does it matter whether the game is on TNT, ESPN, or Comcast or even NBA TV (at the same time)? Anyone can choose which station they want to watch. You are not forced to watch Comcast.

Posted by: Spanky | March 14, 2008 08:53 AM "

Ummm, most games are broadcast on Comcast, in case you didn't notice.

First to the two people who I was highly critical of at the beginning of the season, EJ and Stevenson, great games fella's.........

EJ is coaching his tale off and to decide to guard James one on one was a GREAT coaching move. If he hit the three I could deal with it, but if he passed it off to Fro-Hawk and he hit it I would have been pissed for days. Eddie should be considered for the coach of year award. Can you believe I am saying that? But hey, I have to give credit where credit is due...

Mr. Stevenson should be in the running for the most improved player award this year. What this dude has done is remarkable. I liked what he said when he said " We've got to stop playing around with them, laughing and joking because we know those guys. We have to take those guys serious."

However, Labron is not "overrated" by no means, but I can not stand how he is allowed to get away with walking everytime he drives to the basket. MJ did not even get the amount of calls Labron gets every game. What gives with the officials???

Moron, of course I meant when the games are broadcast on multiple channels one is not forced to watch Comcast. Not at all shocked that you did not understand that.

If anything Lebron James is underrated,but Deshawn Stevenson is ghetto trash. Is he still screwing 14 year old girls in hotel rooms?

Great game! It almost had a playoff feel and for once I could hear the crowd at the verizon center cheering the players on! I'm really proud at the way the team played last night. As stated, I hope Antawn finally gets a rest and when the microphone was on him last night, it was clear he was leading the team. They all played well, Deshawn, T.Juice, Antawn, even Nick! Go wiz!

The TNT pre-game and halftime show were AWFUL!!!! If you did not know any better you would have thought the 8:00 p.m. game was the Suns vs. Warriors instead of the Wiz and Cav's.

They barely talked about the Wiz game at the beginning or halftime. That was very fustrating to watch because we are not on national tv that much. ESPN does the same thing. They always talk about the game "after" the Wizards game which is usually a Western Conference game.

I like the thought of ESPN or TNT telecasts because Buck with Comcast wears on me with his same old retread stories and sayings. Phil is ok, but he does not say what he wants to say because he has personal ties to the team.

Nothing against Buck, but he needs to change his game up. The best NBA analyst to have watching a game is Hubie Brown number one and then Doug Collins a close second. Listing to them is when you really "learn about the game" if you have not played before.

I might start cutting the sound off on the tv and listening to Dave Johnson and Glen Counsel (spelling??) because Counsel breaks down the game better then Phil and Dave Johnson does not get on my nerves like Buck does.

Dave Johnson is pretty bad due to his herky jerky delivery. I preferred it back in the day when Michael Adams was on the radio.

"Moron, of course I meant when the games are broadcast on multiple channels one is not forced to watch Comcast. Not at all shocked that you did not understand that.

Posted by: Spanky | March 14, 2008 09:11 AM "

LOL, what I did understand was that your comments were unclear and assumed that people have a choice each game to view an alternative to comcast, moron.

"Mr. Stevenson should be in the running for the most improved player award this year. What this dude has done is remarkable. I liked what he said when he said " We've got to stop playing around with them, laughing and joking because we know those guys. We have to take those guys serious."

Posted by: Bullets Fever #1 | March 14, 2008 09:07 AM "

The most improved on Les BouleS is clearly BTH.

James is a fantastic player, but the way he's protected by the refs sickens me. I think Ivan's "lawnmower" comment is due to that. He gets away with so much in terms of committing fouls that aren't called, travels that aren't called, etc., that when something *is* called on him, he just can't believe it.

His whole facial attitude at times like that is, "DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!?" He expects everyone to be loyal subjects of The King, and will brook no betrayal from the peasants -- you know, like calling traveling or charging when he lowers his shoulder into a defender and runs him over.

Interesting decision by Eddie at the end -- it makes sense, but I wonder if some (possibly including myself) would be screaming "How can you not double LeBron!" if he makes that shot. Hard to be an NBA coach.

Best shot of the night was Bron Bron's face when DeShawn beat him to the spot and took the (rightful) charge call late in the 4th. Absolutely outstanding perimeter defense. Can't believe the refs had the stones to make the correct call but glad they did.

Loved everything Stevenson did last night, Caron too. But Haywood was one of the most physical players out there. That dude has made some shift in his attitude, gotten stronger mentally. He's not an all star, whatever, but he's got to be a top 4 or 5 center in the East this year.

I'm glad the Wizards played LeBron more tough in the 2nd Half, esp in the 4th qtr. Because LeBron always acts as though he owns this team and last night the Wizards showed him where he is. Glad Caron came back, he really did look worn down, as mentioned in the paper, in the 2nd half but he'll get back in shape.

I'm also happy the team played more motivated overall. After that lost to Orlando it seemed as if the Wizards were in deep trouble, but this win could be a motivating factor. They'll soon be going on the West coast again and they'll need to be focused on maintaining or moving up in the plaoyff positions.

Well don't have much to say, glad the team played well and I hope they can keep up the good work all the way to the playoffs

If anything Lebron James is underrated,but Deshawn Stevenson is ghetto trash. Is he still screwing 14 year old girls in hotel rooms?

Posted by: Eric | March 14, 2008 09:12 AM

Underrated Eric? rofl Please crawl back to the rock you've been living under. CLUELESS.

Definitely loved the win lastnight. I was at the bucks game the other night and I think it was even more hype then because they had a special going on where people got lower level seats a lot cheaper. So more enthusiastic fans were down low. But it was a Tuesday night against the Bucks. Not exactly a sellout type of game.

Anyway, I agree with everyone here about the good coaching job, and return of Caron, the steady Antawn "Scoop" Jamison, and Deshawn stepping up. But we can't forget about Nick Young. These last few games you can really tell he has the NBA speed of the game sinking in, because he is looking more and more comfortable.

I used to be nervous if he dribbled too long. Now I look for him to score everytime he has the ball. He can drive, finish, get the foul, or step back and hit the J. I'm impressed. And wow does McGuire show some hops. Marv Albert almost pissed his pants after he saw him grab a rebound lastnight.

I can't give full respect to LeBron's game until he stops being "LeTravel." The Ref Protection System in the NBA is really horrible, and I have to say it is preventing LeT from being the best player he can possibly be. Just take a look at his assist-to-turnover ratio in international play, and you'll see how bad he really is with the ball.

I agree with the above poster who says that they disagree with the "star treatment" by the refs, but have come to expect it. At this point, it's part of the game, it may as well be a rule, so you play around it.

LeBron has been dropping shoulders into defenders on his drives since he first stepped onto the court. It's only ever called when his body is at a 45 degree angle and he knocks over Two guys like last night.

There's no doubt that he's a great player. That's my biggest problem with the "star treatment," how great would he be if he had to play by the same set of rules as everyone else?

I agree that we don't get any respect in the media but that's how the way it is. Until we get some wins CONSISTENTLY then the respect will follow. The analysis of the first game happens BEFORE the tip-off. They usually do the 2nd game analysis on the halftime of the first game since there are not a break between both games.

In my humble opinion, I don't think LBJ is overated. I believe he's 2nd to Kobe in terms of basketball skill. But yes he do travels a lot but thats how it is in the NBA.

As for the game, great win for the Wiz! CB was obviously tired in the 4th quarter. Somebody needs to tell NY that it's okay to pass the ball sometimes. That 1 on 5 fastbreak was just awefull. Even a high school kid will know when to slow it down. Overall I think Cavs are a better match for us than the Magic. I'm a big fan of BH but Superman will eat him alive come playoff time.

DeShawn played LeBron great last night. But LeBron also had an off night. 3 or 4 of those layups are usually money in the bank for him so whether or not that was Deshawn, I can't say, but he makes those even with better coverage. As for DeShawn saying LeBron is overrated? Come on man! I know we're all sore about Cleveland eliminating us two years in a row but...dude, he's amazing. Everyone knows and all Wizards fans do is make excuses by calling him "LeTravel" or whatever. He's the real deal. I also find it funny that a guy who lost a 3 point shootout to a one-handed Arenas has any room to talk. The only thing he's been known for in the past 5 years is a beard growing competition with Drew Gooden. You don't think LeBron is going to remember this when we see them again, IF we see them again?

Great GAME!!!!!!!Caron showed why he is the MVP of this team he played with great intensity and played hard the whole game.Big ups to Nick the kid ain't scared to "bring it" every game ,Deshawn, finally somebody who's not kissing the feet of KING JAMES "it is on". AJ not real happy with his play last night but for what he's done he gets a pass. Gilbert will be back soon probably on the road trip out west,Andray four fouls in what seemed like four minutes got to be smarter seems like were ready to compete.

I love Stevenson's attitude! Sometimes we all get caught up in the heat of the moment and say questionable things but i think in Deshawn's mind, LJ is not the anionted king. He refused to pay tribute! Bravo!

Defense is a mind set and attitude, 1st and last. From the tip, DS came to play!

Am I the only one on this board who is praying that we don't meet the cavs in round one. Remember, the playoffs are a different animal than the regular season. The NBA wants to get a LeBron - Celtics second round.

In the playoffs LeBron's charge turns into a blocking foul on DSteve. C'mon, have we really forgotten the 2006 playoffs already?

Stevensen has a lot of room to talk after he shot 19% in last year's playoffs. I was happy every time he shot a 20 foot jumper because I knew it had no chance of going in. I'd love to play the Wizards in the playoffs again because Mr. Clutch (LeBron) will come through and Mr. Choke (Arenas) will not.

Look, fact of the matter is, we almost blew a 6 point lead with less than a minute left. We came really close to losing that game. It was not a great win, it was a sloppy win that almost turned into a loss. If any of those other Cavs stiffs would have knocked down just one more open jumper, it's game over. So be thankful not proud. And DeShawn, leave the trash talking to Caron, Antawn, or Gilbert...guys who can back it up.

Actually Deshawn Stevenson is just telling the truth.

Lebron is overrated!

He shot a very poor 1-7 3-point last night.

Committed 7 turnovers

Has a 31% 3-point and 71% FT this season.

The reason why he is leading in points it's because he has the ball 95% in every Cavs possession, he is playing more minutes and shooting more than any player.

I have the league pass and watch the Wizards occasionally and even I know that the Wiz games are on Comcast and I live no where near D.C The announcers on that station bore the hell out of me and that one guy sounds like a poor mans' Walt Clyde Frazier (most annoying anaylist ever-super big word man). I agree with other posters that D. Stevenson should get the most improved player award this year but that will probably go to Hedo Turkoglu. I also agree that Lebron Hardaway-Hill is highly overrated and is the current NBA "It" boy. And a boy he is in this game. Until he gets a post up game and at least 3 championship rangs (yes I spelled it rangs), I'll nominate Kobe as the king of this league and the best all-around player in the world. I got love for the Wiz and hope they get Agent Zero back soon so they can knock off that stupid look on Latravels' face. P.S I have a Lebron fan at work and I called Lebron Latravell to his face. Dude was pissed. I love that nickname. It fits that guy well.

Who is Deshawn Stevenson.... isn't he the one guy who has a beard or something? Everytime he is on ESPN they just make fun of him because of how ridiculous he looks and how bad he is. LeBron overrated, do I really have to bring up his list of accomplishments at age 23? Deshawn just score your 10 points a night(maybe) and keep to yourself. You won't be a wizard once your contract is up anyhow and you will be on your.. well however many teams you have been on.

Good idea call out LeBron.. how many times does he have to do in the Wizards? The cavs don't even have their starting center Ilgauskas(best rebounder) and Gibson(best shooter). The Wizards win one REGULAR season game and now Deshawn thinks he is an all-star, calm down son and just pray you don't draw the cavs number in the playoffs! Hey MAYBE if you make it to the second round to see the cavs you can win at least 1 game..maybe?

Actually...
That was just one game, Basketballfan. If Kobe has an off night are you going to say he's overrated too? Or what do you say about a guy whose been injured more than he's played in the past two seasons and is lately better known as a blogger than basketball player?

Hey Space Cadet, give LeBron Shaq in his prime and he'd win more than 3 titles. Kobe's got no excuses if the Lakers don't win this year.

LeBron must be overrated since he had 7 turnovers and a bad shooting night. The guy is almost averaging a triple double while leading the league in scoring.

Wizzer fans, can any of you honestly tell me you wouldn't trade Arenas and Butler for LeBron if you could?

We got some hurt Clevelavd Fans in here. Just let it go, we'll see each other again. Lose, with class!

It is good to come to other fans' hangouts and read just how delusional fans of certain teams are.

Listen, I understand you guys are sick of the CAVS and LeBron. But the disrespect from you guys is classic. Last year wasnt a good inicator of the Wizards as a team in the playoffs, because you had too many players out. But the previous year you had EVERYONE.

Be careful what you wish for. HOPING to play the CAVS in the first round and not Orlando may be the dumbest thing I have read in months.

Noone who knows anything about hoops outside of Washington and Detroit agrees with you about that, or about LeBron being overrated.

Hell even some Detroit fans show him respect. They don't like him, but they respect him.

Has he had everything handed to him? Yes.

Is he one of the best players on the planet? Yes.

"Wizzer fans, can any of you honestly tell me you wouldn't trade Arenas and Butler for LeBron if you could?"

I wouldn't.

I agree with Deshawn in that too many times in the past, some of the Wiz players were a little too chummy with some of the players (Hughes) and then they turned around and whipped our tail. No more of that, we got a game to win! And just because he said Lebron was not all of that doesn't mean he doesn't respect his game he's just saying that we got game too! As I said before, good win.

"The reason why he is leading in points it's because he has the ball 95% in every Cavs possession, he is playing more minutes and shooting more than any player.

Posted by: basketball fan | March 14, 2008 10:13 AM "

Uhh, that's also the reason for Gilby's inflated numbers the past two seasons, and Gilby didn't pass nor did he play any D.

"Has he had everything handed to him? Yes.

Is he one of the best players on the planet? Yes."

Do you not see the inherent conflict in these two statements?

How can you say that he's one of the best players on the planet when you admit that he gets preferential treatment from the refs? If he got whistled for traveling and charging alone (not to mention defense) like normal players do, how good would he be?

Who knows? As was previously stated, the only thing we have to go on is international plays, where the refs actually call fouls on everyone when a foul is committed.

Ivan:
"[B]ut on this night, I have to give it up to Eddie."

Just like every other night.

Les BouleS fans might have to go to another source to get a different perspective in determing the truth. In today's reporting/yesterday's interview, Gilby was quoted as saying he wanted to come back against the Cavs, but the doctors won't let him.

In the link below, it says Gilby was sore yesterday after wednesday's practice, and doesn't want to play until he has a FULL WEEK without soreness, but will come back anyway in April sore or not.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080314/SPORTS03/262992500/1005/SPORTS&template=nextpage

I just simply love the toughness the Wiz are demonstrating. I just hope that when Gil gets back, he plays team ball instead of try to win games on his own. He has a tough team who is playing well within the we concept. DeSawhan is looking better. He's decided to play more defense and not back down even from LeBron. That is what every Bron defender needs to have, toughness because that would envigorate the whole team. And what is LeBron crying about? What about the hard foul on Daniels? I also agree, LeBron is OverRated. I would take Kobe over him anytime. LeBron has not proven anything yet. Win a championship first. Cleveland will be out in the first round. Remember what I am telling you.

Do you not see the inherent conflict in these two statements?

How can you say that he's one of the best players on the planet when you admit that he gets preferential treatment from the refs? If he got whistled for traveling and charging alone (not to mention defense) like normal players do, how good would he be?

Who knows? As was previously stated, the only thing we have to go on is international plays, where the refs actually call fouls on everyone when a foul is committed.

I was not talking about the refs. I am talking about the media-hype train.

So your argument is that LeBron is only good because you think he gets special treatment?!?!?

If you can't see him as one of the best players in the NBA, I am not sure what to tell you.........

Winning is not an entitlement. The past doesn't buy you anything. So they'll play again and we'll see what happens. We certainly know what happened last night.

I'm personally excited to see when Gilbert comes back healthy and stretches the floor for everyone on offense.

How can you say he gets preferential treatment from the refs after that flop by Beardy when he didn't even have his feet set? LeBron gets clobbered going to the basket and probably could get more calls, but he's so strong that the refs don't think he got fouled because the contact doesn't affect him (unlike another member of the '03 draft class who goes sprawling onto the floor everytime he gets bumped).

i don't think any true fan of basketball at this point can say lebron is not the best or 2nd best player in the league. i despise him, root against him, all that, but it's a waste of time pretend he is not great. all props and grudging respect to him.
however, as a wiz fan, i have every right to call him classless (free throw line wisper to gil may have been legal, but bush-league) and bitter about the fact that the refs let him travel his way past us in the playoffs. it was not a questionable travel. it was blatant, and it pisses me off. and now it's his patented move. and it's illegal.
so my deep hatred for him as a player is not lack of respect for his talent.
here ends my why-wiz-hate-lebron rant.

"Uhh, that's also the reason for Gilby's inflated numbers the past two seasons, and Gilby didn't pass nor did he play any D."

I hate to counter your hate with facts, but last year, Gilbert and Lebron had the exact same amount of assists per game, and the year before Lebron had a whopping .6 APG more than Gilbert.

Sorry for the interruption, hate away.

@all CLE fans

How do you like your trade so far?

LeBron wears a Knick jersey in 2 years.

You better win one soon, your window is closing.

"I hate to counter your hate with facts, but last year, Gilbert and Lebron had the exact same amount of assists per game, and the year before Lebron had a whopping .6 APG more than Gilbert.

Sorry for the interruption, hate away."

So your PG getting beat in assists by a SF isnt a big deal I guess?

Umm, ok?

Well, Gilbert will be wearing a Clipper jersey next season. A good fit for him since he won't have to worry about making the playoffs and missing clutch free throws.

"@all CLE fans

How do you like your trade so far?

LeBron wears a Knick jersey in 2 years.

You better win one soon, your window is closing"

This is the sure fire sign of NBA ignorance. IF LeBron leaves, he won't be going to the Knicks, He will be going to NJ, why the hell would he go to the Knicks?

You know what? Maybe he will come to Washington!!

No, none of you would want him because he is overrated, I forgot.

"I was not talking about the refs. I am talking about the media-hype train.

So your argument is that LeBron is only good because you think he gets special treatment?!?!?

If you can't see him as one of the best players in the NBA, I am not sure what to tell you........."

That's not what I said at all. I acknowledged that he is one of the best players in the game eariler. My point was that because of the "star treatment" by the refs, we will never know exactly *how* good he is. We will only have speculation.

---

Please tell me you're kidding. Are you talking about the "flop" that resulted from LeBron leaning so far forward to drive his shoulder into Stevenson, that he almost fell over himself?

Are you really denying that your boy drives his shoulder into anyone who would dare defend him, and never gets called for it except for cases like your "flop" example above?

I hope Damon Jones falls into a wood chipper, accidentally or not.

He is such a little f@ggot with his fro-hawk.

So I am readin through Letravel posts all over here (terribly unimaginative BTW), and I am wondering travelling? He doesnt travel all of the time. Then I FINALLY figure it out.

You guys are STILL complaining about the no-call from 2 years ago against Michael freaking Ruffin?!?!

WOW.

I'll give you that he is a bull when he drives and is hard to call blocking/charges on him because he is so big, but travelling?? Let it go.

Here is a little piece of info for you. Tell GA to make his foul shots and we wouldnt even be discussin his travel.

"So your PG getting beat in assists by a SF isnt a big deal I guess?

Umm, ok?"

That's not the point I was responding too. The original poster was making a point that LeBron "passed" while Gilbert did not. I responded with fact that prove this to be less than true.

We can argue the value behind those numbers if you like?

---

"He will be going to NJ, why the hell would he go to the Knicks?"

I don't know, why the hell would he go to New Jersey?

One of Ivan's best posts. Look at what it did to these Cleveland fans!

I think Gilbert is WAY overrated as blogger. I hear he phones his blogs into an assistant! That's almost as atrocious as Lebron's travelling!

"Please tell me you're kidding. Are you talking about the "flop" that resulted from LeBron leaning so far forward to drive his shoulder into Stevenson, that he almost fell over himself?

Are you really denying that your boy drives his shoulder into anyone who would dare defend him, and never gets called for it except for cases like your "flop" example above?"

Stephenson did flop on that play. But he got the call so it doesnt matter.

LeBron "lowers" his shoulder on drives, but not nearly to the degree you would like.

LeBron is hard to call when driving because when he gets a shoulder into his man, he typically has 1/2 step on the guy. so the guy is kind of at his mercy. There just arent many guys who are as big as he is combined with how fast he is.

He gets his share of offensive fouls called on him though.

The key to guarding him is to correctly anticipate which way he is going and get there first so when he hits you, you are squared and take a legit shot.

But he is actually very effective going left so "anticipating" is not so easy.

"I don't know, why the hell would he go to New Jersey?"

Jay Z

If he goes anywhere, (which I doubt) it will be to team up with him.

This is the sure fire sign of NBA ignorance. IF LeBron leaves, he won't be going to the Knicks, He will be going to NJ, why the hell would he go to the Knicks?

You know what? Maybe he will come to Washington!!

No, none of you would want him because he is overrated, I forgot.

Posted by: Wood | March 14, 2008 10:37 AM

I've done the research already pal. The Knicks as they stand right now will have 30million to spend on LeBron in 2010. LeBron would love to play in NY and try to bring back that team to prominence.

Instead of calling me ignorant, why dont you find out who you can bring in as a free agent in 2010 with your cash that wont be spent on LeBron.

"We can argue the value behind those numbers if you like?"

Ok, what do you want to argue about?

Wizards won the game by spreading the scores around, 7 players in double figure. It is also nice to see Songaila regain his shooting touch. For a while, his shooting was awful. Near the end of the game, EJ has him and Haywood playing offense/defense switch, recognizing that Haywood is a better defender.

The negatives for the Wizards were that they gave away too many offense rebounds, and allowed too many 3 pointers. OTOH, Cleveland turned the ball over too many times.

Lebron James is so overrated that the Wizards have to triple team him 90% of the time for the last three years.

Didn't Stevenson shoot 19% as the Washington Gangbangers had The King end their season two years in a row?

Obviously Henry is a moron. you jizz fans have been "predicting" that the Cavs will lose in first round for the last 2 seasons. But it's the sorry ass Wizards who get tossed out in the first round, by Lebron. He's proven THAT.

And for a group of people who think that James is overrated, you're certainly as giddy as little girls about one of your few wins over an "overrated" player.

"I've done the research already pal. The Knicks as they stand right now will have 30million to spend on LeBron in 2010. LeBron would love to play in NY and try to bring back that team to prominence.

Instead of calling me ignorant, why dont you find out who you can bring in as a free agent in 2010 with your cash that wont be spent on LeBron."

Research all you want. NJ can have plenty of cap space too. ANY team that has $30 mill in cap space (even though they will only need 20) is going to SUCK. If One team has the same money as the other, and they both suck, which do you think he would choose? ;)

Will the CAVS have cap space if he leaves? absolutely. What is your point?

Oh, and did you know that the CAVS have over $28 million in cap relief they can offer in trades next year? And then another $24 million in expiring contracts the next year?

The CAVS will be fine.

How can you say he gets preferential treatment from the refs after that flop by Beardy when he didn't even have his feet set? LeBron gets clobbered going to the basket and probably could get more calls, but he's so strong that the refs don't think he got fouled because the contact doesn't affect him (unlike another member of the '03 draft class who goes sprawling onto the floor everytime he gets bumped).

Posted by: T from C-town | March 14, 2008 10:29 AM

T, playing on the ball defense DOES NOT require you to have your feet set to get a charging call - that is what is usually called for when help defense arrives.

When you play on the ball defense, your goal is to get to the spot the offensive player wants to get to BEFORE he gets there - 1. DS absolutely did on that play and 2. La Braun did in fact lower hi shoulder right into the middle of DS' chest which is almost an automatic charge even for any Superstar in the L.

Best you learn the rules of playing defense not spouting nonsense just because La Braun is one of the best (he is) but like he says (he's human) and can make mistakes too (7 TOs last night, etc.)

Sore losers showing no class and showing up on another team's blog to spout BS.

Funny a couple of Cleveland Fans come on here thinking they can get our hackles up. Hell we're used to that on here, we get our daily dose of sunshine from 88.

You all head on back to Cleveland where there's still a foot of snow on the ground. That's ok, it covers up all the Forecloser Signs, softens the look of those empty businesses that went bust. Tough times in the midwest.

Enjoy LaBron while you've got him, the kid's on the cover of a woman's magazine this month. How long you think you're going to keep him and the posse happy ruling Cleveland?

He's as good as gone, Ferry's WAY over the Luxury Tax and this cast they've surrounded him with isn't ready for primetime. And David Stern's old sidekick is creating salary cap room for the King and a new Palace too.

A King in Cleveland? Not for long boy's, Manhatten's waiting for royalty.

He's not an all star, whatever, but he's got to be a top 4 or 5 center in the East this year.

Posted by: random dude | March 14, 2008 09:42 AM

Haywood only the 4th or 5th best center in the East?

Besides Howard and perhaps Ilgauskas (sp?), who are the other 3?

F**k Lebron. And F**k the Cavs too!! LET'S GET IT!!!

"I hope Damon Jones falls into a wood chipper, accidentally or not.

He is such a little f@ggot with his fro-hawk."

This was actually pretty funny until the gay-bashing. But I digress.

"Funny a couple of Cleveland Fans come on here thinking they can get our hackles up. Hell we're used to that on here, we get our daily dose of sunshine from 88.

You all head on back to Cleveland where there's still a foot of snow on the ground. That's ok, it covers up all the Forecloser Signs, softens the look of those empty businesses that went bust. Tough times in the midwest.

Posted by: GM | March 14, 2008 10:55 AM "

GM, you'd be sold out on Ice Melt and snow shovels by now if you were in cleveland.

Wow, finally someone has stepped up and said what most fans feel about Lebron & D-Wade, Lebron is the MOST hyped & protected player i've seen since MJ, Nice one Deshawn. I mean you breath on Lebron & D-Wade and they get calls, it's just a JOKE.

Cleveland probably would have won the championship last season had Carlos Boozer not left Danny Ferry at the altar.

"Funny a couple of Cleveland Fans come on here thinking they can get our hackles up. Hell we're used to that on here, we get our daily dose of sunshine from 88.

You all head on back to Cleveland where there's still a foot of snow on the ground. That's ok, it covers up all the Forecloser Signs, softens the look of those empty businesses that went bust. Tough times in the midwest.

Enjoy LaBron while you've got him, the kid's on the cover of a woman's magazine this month. How long you think you're going to keep him and the posse happy ruling Cleveland?

He's as good as gone, Ferry's WAY over the Luxury Tax and this cast they've surrounded him with isn't ready for primetime. And David Stern's old sidekick is creating salary cap room for the King and a new Palace too.

A King in Cleveland? Not for long boy's, Manhatten's waiting for royalty"

Meh, typical real life ignorance somehow attempting to be paralleled to the NBA somehow.

Guess what, our "foreclosure rates" along with many other states are going to effect to economy in your "lovely" city also.

Laugh while you can I suppose.

If LeBron leaves, will it suck? of course. But I did have the ability to watch one of the best players in years play 82 times a year, and I reckon I will still be able to catch him on national TV alot on his new team.

And guess what, I will still be proud of him because he is an Ohio boy, born and raised, just like me.

There is something to that IMO.

Wizards is back to .500! A message to Barkly, forget about East-West, if you just count the top 16 teams of the league, Wizards will still be in the playoff!

Wizards is a bona fide playoff team, even without its top scorer for majority of the season!

ok rook - no one else other than he 2 you mentioned comes to mind as better centers than Haywood. i just have a hard time typing that Haywood could be top 3 in the east this year. Bogut? maybe? is 'sheed a center these days? not sure. but i loved seeing him knock LBJ down - no trash talk, just a hard old-fashioned NBA foul. That bodes well for post-season.

So I am readin through Letravel posts all over here (terribly unimaginative BTW), and I am wondering travelling? He doesnt travel all of the time. Then I FINALLY figure it out.

You guys are STILL complaining about the no-call from 2 years ago against Michael freaking Ruffin?!?!

WOW.

I'll give you that he is a bull when he drives and is hard to call blocking/charges on him because he is so big, but travelling?? Let it go.

Here is a little piece of info for you. Tell GA to make his foul shots and we wouldnt even be discussin his travel.

Posted by: Wood | March 14, 2008 10:41 AM

Wow, let it go huh? GA missing his foul shots? Wasn't that also 2 or 3 years ago? lol

Sore losers all, that's what Clevaland has going for it.

"Cleveland probably would have won the championship last season had Carlos Boozer not left Danny Ferry at the altar."

Jim Paxson was the GM of the CAVS when Boozer left, not Danny Ferry.

LeBron is a great player. Gilbert is great also, he is not LeBron though. As far as getting preferential treatment by refs, I call that cheating. The refs cheat for LeBron because it is league mandated. Gilbert does not get that treatment. Both players draw fouls, they are great players. If everybody played on an even playing field, LeBron and Gil would still be great. As far as being overrated, LeBron is not, but the Cavs are. Case in point, you hear way more coming from the media about how the Cavs swept the Wiz last year. You hear very little about Gil and Caron being out for the playoffs. That does not mean the wiz would have won the series, but the media plays up the sweep. Overrated

it is possible to be both favored by refs, over-hyped and still the best player in the league. such is Lebron. Just please, start calling that double-hop as traveling. i'm sure even players i root for do it too - it's just bad for the game.

"Wow, let it go huh? GA missing his foul shots? Wasn't that also 2 or 3 years ago? lol

Sore losers all, that's what Clevaland has going for it."

We won, what is there to let go? How does winning, make me a "sore loser"?

It is going downhill fast folks.

LeBron isn't overrated, just overprotected by the refs. He never gets called for traveling which he does on every drive and gets away with constant hacking/holding on defense. The block foul on AB when he was steamrolled by King James was pathetic....they did call a couple of offensive fouls on him in the second half when he ran over AJ and pushed off on Stevenson in the 4th quarter. Way to hang tough DeShawn!!! No way the Wiz win without Tough Juice on the court.

The Jordan Rules obviously applied last night. So tired of the calls King James receives and the bandwagon Cavs fans. I was at the game and did anyone else catch that punk Damon Jones give the "I can't feel my face" to DeShawn after he hit some meaningless jump shot? Great win and I love the bad blood.

88, Thanks for the concern about my business, we transfered our surplus out to stores there last week.

To the guy from Cleveland crowing about all of the cap releif they can offer in trades. Translation: Ferry has accumulated alot of old bodies with big contracts.

If LaBron walks, and by the way the Knicks and the Nets are BOTH gearing up for his opt out. You guys will be back to watching ping pong balls in June and hoping for the best while he's tooling around Manhatten with the Posse!

"The Jordan Rules obviously applied last night. So tired of the calls King James receives and the bandwagon Cavs fans. I was at the game and did anyone else catch that punk Damon Jones give the "I can't feel my face" to DeShawn after he hit some meaningless jump shot? Great win and I love the bad blood."

CAVS fan since 88' here.

Damon Jones is a punk for doing that which was alot different than Stephenson doing his lame "3 in-the-hand" pose I suppose?

Gotta love the double standard.

"So your PG getting beat in assists by a SF isnt a big deal I guess?

Umm, ok?"

Wood, when was the last game that a Cleveland PG had more assists then Lebron?

Your SF has more then twice the amount of Assists Per Game then anyone else on your team.

"Be careful what you wish for. HOPING to play the CAVS in the first round and not Orlando may be the dumbest thing I have read in months."

Cavs are probably better then Orlando. The writer just thought it would be interesting because of all of the trash talk and bad blood between the two teams.

@all CLE fans here in our blog

We are some of the most hardened bloggers around. We are the most critical bunch of idiots on the planet. We have said everything about the WIZ you can imagine. We have fired the coach, the GM and traded Gilbert to the Trailblazers for Jarrett Jack a million times.

We dont care about you and your rants, it doesnt bother us. You have our number in the play-offs, no doubt. The only way to change that is to beat your @sses. Go back join your own kind.

"88, Thanks for the concern about my business, we transfered our surplus out to stores there last week.

To the guy from Cleveland crowing about all of the cap releif they can offer in trades. Translation: Ferry has accumulated alot of old bodies with big contracts.

If LaBron walks, and by the way the Knicks and the Nets are BOTH gearing up for his opt out. You guys will be back to watching ping pong balls in June and hoping for the best while he's tooling around Manhatten with the Posse!"

-------

Meh, I have already posted my feelings about LeBron possibly leaving. *shrug*

I will still be a CAVS fan.

Oh and how Ferry got the cap relief is irrelevant, $28 mill next year, and $24 mill the next. Beautiful.

Oh and as long as LeBron is a CAV, old overpriced players will be all that is needed to beat the Washinton Wizards in the playoffs.

i just have a hard time typing that Haywood could be top 3 in the east this year.
Posted by: random dude | March 14, 2008 11:03 AM

Yeah - kinda hard to say.... but after thinking about it... not too hard to put together an argument.

Bogut (13 ppg, 9 rpg), perhaps.... but he plays 34-35 minutes a game - while Haywood is at 28 mpg... Give Haywood the same number of minutes and his production would probably be similar. I still think Wood's game is better. Especially at the defensive end.

"Damon Jones is a punk for doing that which was alot different than Stephenson doing his lame "3 in-the-hand" pose I suppose?"

No, he's a punk for doing the throat-slit gesture like he'd killed the Wiz, when his team ended up losing. (And let's not even get started on that mohawk nonsense.)

Cavs beat a hurt team last year in the playoffs. BTW none of the wins were blowouts like they should've been. We triple team LeTravel bc he controls the ball mostly...the Cavs as a team suck. Take LeBron off your team and you guys are awful!!!! You went 0-5 without him earlier this year. We were missing 2 all-stars throughout the season and have played admirable ball. LeBron is a crybaby and AD is a much bigger man than he is. AD slams harder, gets back up and shoots, while Lebron gets all lemon-faced like he deserves something. The guy is the face of the NBA and is favored over everyone, he has enough. Time for us wiz kids to get some respect!!

Yeah Wood... You probably forgot that we had so many weak players back then... Jeffries, B Thomas, Ruffin, Taylor, Booth...

This year we have Blatche, Mason, Young & McGuire, who are already better than our bench of 2 years ago... Stevenson is better than Jeffries, plus he's the Locksmith (Ask Lebron), Jamison, Butler & Haywood having career years...

And I havent even begun about Arenas, who was (of the dome) the 3rd best scorer in the league last year and much better then he was 2 years ago...

You might be the one all suprised when (not if) we meet up with the Cavs...

"Wood, when was the last game that a Cleveland PG had more assists then Lebron?"

It has probably been over a year since one of our suck-ass PGs has had more assists than LJ.

"Your SF has more then twice the amount of Assists Per Game then anyone else on your team."

I believe LJ is 8th in the league in assists (at any position).

"Cavs are probably better then Orlando. The writer just thought it would be interesting because of all of the trash talk and bad blood between the two teams."

I didn't say it wouldnt be interesting, I said it is foolish to wish it if you are a Wiz fan.

To get to the point you are getting at. LJ doesnt have Butler or Jamison on his team. If he did, how many assists do you think he would get? More or less than he currently gets?

If Arenas initiates 90% of the offense, he should get more assists than he does with the teammates he has.

Funny a couple of Cleveland Fans come on here thinking they can get our hackles up. Hell we're used to that on here, we get our daily dose of sunshine from 88.

Posted by: GM | March 14, 2008 10:55 AM

LOL - I was thinking the EXACT same thing.. Funny..

As for LeBron James - I do think he's one of the two best players in the league (Kobe is still # 1 in my mind). But the blatant way he gets away with traveling, charges, and non-calls on Defense stick in my craw. And YES, perhaps I'm still sore about the playoffs two years ago (the Travel, and the low-class free throw incident)... But, I'd like nothing better than to see Arenas come back, the Wizards overtake Toronto - and face Cleveland in the Playoffs.

I think the Wizards need to get that monkey off their backs... and I really believe that the team with a healthy Arenas, healthy Butler, a rested Jamison, along with a much stronger bench, could oust James and his cast of nobodies in the first round. Give em a taste of what it's like to take an early vacation.

Besides, I think we match up better against Cleveland rather than Orlando.

"No, he's a punk for doing the throat-slit gesture like he'd killed the Wiz, when his team ended up losing. (And let's not even get started on that mohawk nonsense.)"

--------

The throat slit was bush, I agree.

If the CAVS had won Stephenson would have looked just as dumb with his "3 in the hand" gestures. But the CAVS lost so........

ok - all hostility aside - Wood and other Cleveland fans on here today - what do you think of the big trade? when i saw it i couldn't help thinking that neither Chicago or Cleveland got much better. I can't say that the team you'll bring in to the playoffs this year is any better than last year - and losing Gooden hurts you all a lot - who else can score in the post for you? Big Z and Gooden together was tough for the Wiz and others to handle. Now? Big Z (health always a question) and who? Wallace? J. Smith? don't see the upgrade.
Wally can shoot, but is he any better than Damon Jones, a guy already on the roster?
What's the Cleveland take on this?

DeShawn Stevenson had a good game last night. However, he has very little room to talk. He's been a bust after coming out of high school. He's just beginning to contribute something to a team but his career has not lived up to the hype he received before he was drafted.

Let's look at this, Lebron James is an MVP candidate...DeShawn Stevenson's name is barely recognizable. I'd rather be in MVP discussion than be someone who is not rated at all. Overrated vs. Unrated?

LeBron has exceeded expectations already and he's still 23. He has a lot to learn. That's the scary thing. Stevenson's been in the league a while and is just now catching on...

DeShawn is mad because Lebron is everything he wanted to be but he never lived up to his build.

It's taken 2 years, but we've finally got the right attitude for taking on Bron Bron. Get in his face, show him no respect, foul him hard, and let the rest of those clowns try and beat us.

We'll kick their a$$ when we get Gilbert and Caron back and at full strength.

"Cleveland probably would have won the championship last season had Carlos Boozer not left Danny Ferry at the altar."

Jim Paxson was the GM of the CAVS when Boozer left, not Danny Ferry.

Posted by: | March 14, 2008 11:04 AM

Anon - you must be new to the blog. 88'er rarely every posts anything close to a "fact". His posts are merely for entertainment purposes only - no relation to truth or reality should be obtained from them.

As GM says, if you turn off your brain while reading 88'er posts, you'll understand them a lot better.

We are some of the most hardened bloggers around. We are the most critical bunch of idiots on the planet. We have said everything about the WIZ you can imagine. We have fired the coach, the GM and traded Gilbert to the Trailblazers for Jarrett Jack a million times.

We dont care about you and your rants, it doesnt bother us. You have our number in the play-offs, no doubt. The only way to change that is to beat your @sses. Go back join your own kind.

Posted by: JSchon | March 14, 2008 11:15 AM

Well said JSchon...

Actually, compared to our own guys, these Cleveland bloggers are weak!

"Yeah Wood... You probably forgot that we had so many weak players back then... Jeffries, B Thomas, Ruffin, Taylor, Booth...

This year we have Blatche, Mason, Young & McGuire, who are already better than our bench of 2 years ago... Stevenson is better than Jeffries, plus he's the Locksmith (Ask Lebron), Jamison, Butler & Haywood having career years...

And I havent even begun about Arenas, who was (of the dome) the 3rd best scorer in the league last year and much better then he was 2 years ago...

You might be the one all suprised when (not if) we meet up with the Cavs..."

-----

I agree your team is probably a bit deeper than 2 years ago.

When I think about matching up against the Wiz in the playoffs this year I think

1. Arenas will still not be 100%
2. Jamison is going to wear down from carrying the team this year. (which is why he is having a career year)
3. I have no idea when Butler will actually be 100% again. (I suspect none of us will)
4. The CAVS need to play with the new guys more.
5. The Wiz just don't have the front-court depth to match up if Z and Wallce are healthy.
6. The CAVS also have a much better supporting cast than 2 years ago.

Would it be a sweep? No way. My prediction (speculation) would be CAVS in 6 again.

@funny...

Not everyone who enters the draft is touted as the next great thing. In fact, the hype that followed LeBron has never been seen before in all of basketball history. Not MJ, not Kobe not anyone, including DeShawn Stevenson.

No one expected DeShawn to come into the league and lead his team to the promise land.

Whats actually funny, is that you made that comparison. Who are you going to compare next? Peyton Manning and Kyle Boller?

Wiz fans can stop calling Lebrobn soft....after they beat him in a playoff series.

I completely agree with Deshawn's mindset. You don't have to be an All-Star to stand up to someone. He never said he was great. He never said a word about himself. All he did was take it onto himself to re-claim their home court starting before the ball was tipped off. Others guys feed off of that.

There is no rule that you have to be an All-Star to be allowed to talk trash. Damon Jones is still talking about a series 2 years ago for just one example. When you talk and win you look good. When you talk and lose you look like an old man more concerned with his appearance than his game.

Everyone focused on Lebron 'gettig them to the finals'. Therefore any one player could do the same. Idiots. The Cavs went as far as they did in the playoffs because they played some of the best team defense east of San Antonio. They are going to have trouble doing that with WallyZ on the court. Which is why he played 12 minutes last night.

I disagree that Lebron is overrated. He's over hyped and over exposed but he's still one of the top talents in the world. But for one night Deshawn earned the right to say something like that, once.

The throat slit was bush, I agree.

Posted by: Wood | March 14, 2008 11:26 AM

Never back down Wood.... shows weakness. The guys on this blog smell weakness, and go for the throat.

It's funny that this invasion of bitter Clevelanders seems to making us respect DCMan more. DCMan is a jerk, but he does have interesting things to say and says them in a provocative way. He makes these Cleveland losers look like they're not even trying.

"ok - all hostility aside - Wood and other Cleveland fans on here today - what do you think of the big trade? when i saw it i couldn't help thinking that neither Chicago or Cleveland got much better. I can't say that the team you'll bring in to the playoffs this year is any better than last year - and losing Gooden hurts you all a lot - who else can score in the post for you? Big Z and Gooden together was tough for the Wiz and others to handle. Now? Big Z (health always a question) and who? Wallace? J. Smith? don't see the upgrade.
Wally can shoot, but is he any better than Damon Jones, a guy already on the roster?
What's the Cleveland take on this?"

------

IMO it was a lateral move, with a SLIGHT improvement.

Watching Gooden make stupid mistakes over and over and over was horrible for the last few years. Also watching Hughes shoot a "consistent" 30% from the floor at the "SG" position was just as bad (when he wasnt injured)

We got a slight upgrade at PG. Tougher on the interior. Lost some interior scoring.

Joe Smith has been a pleasant surprise.

Very tough big man rotation we have now Andy, Z, Wallace, and Joe Smith.

If Wally get his shot back (who knows) we will have 3 EXCELLENT 3 point shooters. (Gibson, Jones, Wally)

Time will tell, but either way we have ALOT we can trade away by next Feb.

for F sake, DCman please remove your mouth from the Cavs privates. I've never seen anyone make more excuses for the opposing team than you. It'd be funny if it wasn't so pathetic.

"Never back down Wood.... shows weakness. The guys on this blog smell weakness, and go for the throat."

Let them "go for my throat" so far, I am very underwhelmed.

A couple seem to have a clue, a large majority seem to be "ZOMG HAHA LJ SUCKS WIZ R BETTER THAN CAVS CLEVELAND SUCKS!!!!!!!!

Doesnt the Washington fan base have more to offer?

"for F sake, DCman please remove your mouth from the Cavs privates. I've never seen anyone make more excuses for the opposing team than you. It'd be funny if it wasn't so pathetic.

Posted by: Monte | March 14, 2008 11:44 AM "

I think you've mistaken me for your mom. And it's not the Cavs, it's your neighbor's dog.

LeBron ain't overrated, but I am glad DeShawn Stevenson said he was. I am glad Brendan Haywood gave him a bump. I am glad the refs had the guts to get the charge call right and I am glad the Wizards are tired of lying back and taking it from the Cavs.
If the Wizards want to get anywhere, they have to face their fears and overcome them. That means defeating the Cavaliers in the playoffs, so yes I hope the Wizards get to the five seed and get a chance to pay the Cavs back.
And another correction for some of you Cavs fans, there wasn't one person in this blog that thought the Wizards had a chance in the series last year. That is just dumb for you to think that. And yes I am still bitter about "8 steps on the baseline LeBron" in game five (I drove from Richmond and was at that game) and LeBron whispering in Gilbert's ear. The hard foul LeBron took last night doesn't begin to pay that back!
And for God sakes don't defend Damon Jones. He was a punk ass in Miami, he is a punk ass now and he will always be a punk ass.

"It's funny that this invasion of bitter Clevelanders seems to making us respect DCMan more. DCMan is a jerk, but he does have interesting things to say and says them in a provocative way. He makes these Cleveland losers look like they're not even trying.

Posted by: Smith | March 14, 2008 11:40 AM"

Smith, you are FREAKIN' KIDDING, right?

"Never back down Wood.... shows weakness. The guys on this blog smell weakness, and go for the throat."

Let them "go for my throat" so far, I am very underwhelmed.

A couple seem to have a clue, a large majority seem to be "ZOMG HAHA LJ SUCKS WIZ R BETTER THAN CAVS CLEVELAND SUCKS!!!!!!!!

Doesnt the Washington fan base have more to offer?

Posted by: Wood | March 14, 2008 11:46 AM

I think you've mistaken me for your mom. And it's not the Cavs, it's your neighbor's dog.

Posted by: DC Man88 | March 14, 2008 11:47 AM

Doesnt the Washington fan base have more to offer? - Um, no... apparently not.

A large majority? Really? Come on, dude, there's plenty to criticize here, but you're way off.

Way to piss of LeBron. I hope the wiz meet the Cavs in the playoffs.

"Anon - you must be new to the blog. 88'er rarely every posts anything close to a "fact". His posts are merely for entertainment purposes only - no relation to truth or reality should be obtained from them.

As GM says, if you turn off your brain while reading 88'er posts, you'll understand them a lot better.

Posted by: | March 14, 2008 11:31 AM "

Whether it's Paxon, Ferry, or Jerry West, Les Cavs would have been better with Boozer, but Boozer changed his mind, which was his right tho.

Anybody else notice that Nick Young is sweet....

that behind the back falling down basket was ridiculous..too bad they called it back, bastards

The big issue for Cleveland is who are they going to have on the floor down the stretch of a close game -- getting Big Z back will certainly help. Last night with Big Ben and Devin Brown on the floor wit Sasha, LeBron and Damon/West, the Cavs were playing offense 4 on 5. Ben Wallace is a huge detriment. The guy is useless down the stretch -- he may grab an offensive rebound but if he does not, you have a number of possessions where your best player has to beat 2 defenders just to get a look. The other team will gladly take its chances with Big Ben shooting and making free throws. I still don't get the trade -- but Cleveland will be a factor because of LeBron. I loved the Wiz fan behind the scorer's table that was giving it to Damon Jones -- it was awesome to watch. Damon Jones has a BIG Mouth for his D-League talent. The guy has one skill -- shooting open 3-pointers and he is not even very consistent doing that.

Wood - I mean, let's face it. I've been on your blog (I mean the Cleveland Cavalier's blog).. They talk basketball there! Hardly ever really disrespect the team or players. Most of the postings are cordial. Lots of LeBron is great posts. Boring. Uninformative. Unimaginative.

You should stick around on this blog. Talk about exciting!

"LeBron isn't overrated, just overprotected by the refs. He never gets called for traveling which he does on every drive and gets away with constant hacking/holding on defense. The block foul on AB when he was steamrolled by King James was pathetic....they did call a couple of offensive fouls on him in the second half when he ran over AJ and pushed off on Stevenson in the 4th quarter. Way to hang tough DeShawn!!! No way the Wiz win without Tough Juice on the court.

Posted by: wizfan89 | March 14, 2008 11:07 AM "

Can't blame the refs, go blame David Stern. If Stern lost his cash cow to injury during the playoffs, you'll be able to hear a loud baby wail coming from Manhattan.

Stern needs to see Kobe vs. Lebron in the finals.

Nope, I asked her and she said she went over to the neighbor's but you were already there taking it on the lawn. Something else about you mumbling "les boules, red rocket! Les Boules, red rocket!".

"Smith, you are FREAKIN' KIDDING, right?

Posted by: Lisa_R | March 14, 2008 11:48 AM "

The only kidding was last night when the bouncer at Caron's party was laughing when he told Lisa to get her and her weave-do the heck out of the line. No old broads allowed.

"Nope, I asked her and she said she went over to the neighbor's but you were already there taking it on the lawn. Something else about you mumbling "les boules, red rocket! Les Boules, red rocket!".

Posted by: Monte | March 14, 2008 11:56 AM "

Blah blah blah...

Almost as funny as your mom's fascination with organic snicker bars.

Nope, I asked her and she said she went over to the neighbor's but you were already there taking it on the lawn. Something else about you mumbling "les boules, red rocket! Les Boules, red rocket!".

Posted by: Monte | March 14, 2008 11:56 AM

Wood - see what I mean?

I try to defend DCMan and he says something completely juvenile and asinine to prove me wrong. Sorry.

Good to see you're not denying it. Its important to get past that stage in rehab.

"Wood - I mean, let's face it. I've been on your blog (I mean the Cleveland Cavalier's blog).. They talk basketball there! Hardly ever really disrespect the team or players. Most of the postings are cordial. Lots of LeBron is great posts. Boring. Uninformative. Unimaginative.

You should stick around on this blog. Talk about exciting!"

------

Yeah there are plenty of turds there. No doubt. But at least when you sift through the garbage there are a decent number of posters who actually "know the game" and have been watching ball for years.

For every "LJ will never stay in your suck-ass town" there is a "LJ will never leave!".

But how does this apply to the CAVS vs. the Wizards for the past 3 years?

Maybe this is a bad sample and I just havent looked around enough, but this is brutal.

Face it Wood, LeBron's endorsements and cachet go way up if he plays in New York. LeBron will look at the rest of the team in the summer of 2010 and see that a championship is a long shot at best.
LeBron will head to the Nets in 2010 because A. They will be moving or close to moving to Brooklyn by then and B. Rod Thorn has proven knowledgable in getting good talent and will be able to put a team around LeBron that is good enough to contend for the title.

Would it be a sweep? No way. My prediction (speculation) would be CAVS in 6 again.

Posted by: Wood | March 14, 2008 11:34 AM

So - Wood, as a Cleveland fan.. I'd think you would rather see New Jersey or Philadelphia. Better match up. Easier road to the Conference Final. (Perhaps even easier than last year)..

But playing the Wiz, I'd think there would be a bit more trepidation.

My take:
1. Arenas will probably not be 100%, but he's still a major upgrade over Daniels.

2. Jamison has shown over his career that he can carry the load (minutes). Besides, with Caron back and Arenas returning, he'll be able to rest a bit more.

3. I have no idea when Butler will actually be 100% again. (I suspect none of us will) - but last night's game certainly shows that he can still play. And 80% of Caron Butler is still better than 100% of Szczerbiak, Pavlovic or whoever you put at the 3.

4. The CAVS need to play with the new guys more. AND the Wizards will have to play with the new guys more (Arenas & Thomas) - Wash.

5. The Cavs just don't have the front-court depth to match with Haywood and Jamison AND Blatche AND Songaila (and perhaps Pecherov) on the OFFENSIVE end of the floor.

6. The Wizards have a much better supporting cast than 2 years ago, upgrading from Jeffries, Booth, Ruffin, Hayes, etc - TO: Stevenson, Nick Young, Songaila, Pecherov, and our secret weapon: McGuire.

Would it be a sweep? No way. My prediction (speculation) would be Wizards in 6.

Count me in as one tired of hearing about how he should play in a bigger market. Same as every good player being an option for the Red Sox or Yankees.

Lebron will have all the money he's ever dreamed about and he doesn't need to leave Cleveland to get it. Lebron is bigger than NY already. Global Icon remember? Only difference is that the Knicks or Nets would get more National TV games.

"Face it Wood, LeBron's endorsements and cachet go way up if he plays in New York. LeBron will look at the rest of the team in the summer of 2010 and see that a championship is a long shot at best.
LeBron will head to the Nets in 2010 because A. They will be moving or close to moving to Brooklyn by then and B. Rod Thorn has proven knowledgable in getting good talent and will be able to put a team around LeBron that is good enough to contend for the title."

LJ may leave, sure. I won't argue that.

But please don't tell me it is because of ROD THORN. Rod Thorn is an idiot.

1. His endorsements will go up, yes. He has millions upon million in endorsements now. (and will get millions and millions more whether he stays or goes)
2. CAVS will always be able to offer more money and a longer contract.
3. He is almost done with his ridiculous house in Bath, OH now.(seen it)
4. The CAVS will ALWAYS be 25 minutes from where he grew up. Which includes his high school entorage that he is still tight with.
5. The CAVS are a first class organization with top notch facilities. (Just built a multi-million $ practice facility similar to the ones all of the top-flight franchises have)

Are there reasons he could leave? Absolutely

But there are plenty of reasons to stay.

Why don't we talk about it again in 3 years AFTER this year? mkay?

Could somebody please briefly recap the last 19 seconds (after the charging call)? No description in todays write-up or the AP report. My TiVO ended at that point, and I thought they had gone up by 4 or 5 points. Did somebody brick some free-throws? Did Cleveland get 2 possessions somehow?
Thanks...

I agree with Deshawn - Lebron is a little overated.

From all of the hype, when I watch the Cavs I am expecting a Michael Jordan clone and I JUST DON'T SEE IT!!

Great win for the Wiz last night with Butler back.

What's wrong with having Cavs fans on the blog? I enjoy it. Nice to have some different voices. Wood, et al., blog away. I learn a lot from fans of other teams.

As far as LeBron is concerned, he's universally admired for his game, as he should be. He almost single-handedly took a team with decent, but hardly superior, talent to the finals last year. Not one Wiz player could have done that with the same supporting cast.

I didn't particularly like or hate the recent trade. West is certainly a PG upgrade, but Wallace for Gooden I don't think will work out for you.

Wallace has been on a steep decline for almost two seasons now. Yeah, Gooden could be unpredictable, but it seems to me that Wallace is predictable- predictably bad. He gives you nothing offensively, and hasn't been a top-shelf defender or rebounder for a couple of seasons now. He didn't show me much of anything last night, and hasn't done anything since Chicago picked him up last year. Detroit was wise to let him go (another great Dumars move, as so many are).

I think Wally will find his shot -- he's too good to stay this cold -- but a team that won with defense last year didn't upgrade that D with the trade, IMO, and I don't know if it improved offensively, since Wallace is a non-factor there.

Anyway, welcome to the board! Stay around as long as you want.

What are people on this blog talking about "way to piss off Lebron"

Are the Wiz supposed to rollover & die because "the anointed one" stepped into the building?

I think not!!!!!!!!!!

are you serious DeShawn ?

LOL alright you want to feed the beast I laugh at the overrated quotes, he only plays on a team that has nobody ! and I mean nobody, people put Kobe on a pedestal he plays w/ Gasol, Odom, Fisher...LOL LeBron only leads the league in 4th qtr. points, add PPG since the break and is still 21/22 years old. I'm betting DeShawn will see a very motivated LeBron if they cross paths in the playoffs, should have kept quiet homey you just caused your team the quick KO from the playoffs, trust this.

"So - Wood, as a Cleveland fan.. I'd think you would rather see New Jersey or Philadelphia. Better match up. Easier road to the Conference Final. (Perhaps even easier than last year).."

Sure, I would rather face Philly or NJ, but we will face Toronto as long as Bosh comes back soon, so it doesnt matter.

I like your arguments, disagree with most, but highly disagree that your front court is strong, offensively or defensively.

We can agree to disagree though.

You bums are clueless!! Have you forgotten that we the Cavaliers were shorthanded??? No Big Z who don't take s*** from no one and owns the glass, D.Gibson who is our best perimeter shooter, and are with 4 new guys still leaning the offense! So those who wish to see us in the playoffs...you're only looking for an early exit. Oh, and if you think your "Zero" of a hero coming back will matter much. It will cause that's one more player on the court that will blame himself for not being able to stop The Chosen One!!! MVP MVP MVP MVP

Wood, Here's a story they'll love in Cleveland:

As you've noticed 88 kind of hates all things Wizards, but bring up Gilbert Arenas and the guy goes into some kind of split personality blue in the face tantrum.

One night last year he's on here all jacked up on something spouting off about Arenas. Then he starts whining about The Bet. Seems 88'er, according to the story he told, bet $7,000.00 on the Wiz /Cav's playoff game where Arenas missed the two free throws after LaBron walked up to him at the foul line.

He says his hate of Arenas was justified cause he lost his car, his girl, and $7,000.00. I'd have taken it out on LaBron, but then again I never was stupid enough to bet 7k.

This really has nothing to do with anything else. But Wood you seem like a nice enough guy for a Cleveland fan, and the story is too funny for one city to hold!

Have at it 88! You seem in a vulgar mood already, give the old barnyard your best shot!

highly disagree that your front court is strong, offensively or defensively.

Let's see. Jamison is averaging a double-double, and went to the All-Star game.

Haywood is the 2nd-rated C in the East (and 9th-rated in the league), according to John Hollinger's ESPN PER ratings.

Caron was another all-star, and having a great season before the injury. His line last night, even after a couple months off, shows what kind of player he is, and will be once he gets his wind back.

Seems like a decent front line to me.

"Anyway, welcome to the board! Stay around as long as you want."

---------

YAY!!! A 2nd smart poster!!

Drew Gooden was not only maddening for his offensive lapses, but sometime moreso for his defensive lapses.

Ben is a shell of what he was IMO. But when he gets to fool around with Z down low, he gets to run a little "free-er" if that makes sense.

4 vs 5 offensively with him on the floor, I agree with that.

I actually think if our guys play together more, when wally-world isnt on the floor we could be a better defensive team.

I think we will still be an excellent rebounding team like we have always been.

West isnt a great defender, but better than wally (LOL).

We will see how it works out.

Honestly, I would have been happy with almost anyone because of the expiring contract situation Ferry put us into for the next 2 years.

Have you forgotten that we the Cavaliers were shorthanded??? No Big Z who don't take s*** from no one and owns the glass, D.Gibson who is our best perimeter shooter, and are with 4 new guys still leaning the offense!

PLEASE don't talk to us about injuries. We've been without Gil for all but 5 games the whole year. That's a 30ppg scorer we're missing. Our backup C, Etan Thomas, has missed every game. Our All Star SF, Caron, has missed a quarter of the season. Our 1st-round draft pick (from last year, who spent the season in Europe), Pecherov, missed the first half of the season. Our bakcup PG, Daniels, has missed a dozen or more games. We've sometimes had to practice with 7 or 8 players, we've had so many injuries.

So spare us the whining about injuries. If your best player missed all but 5 games, and your second best missed a quarter of the season, what would your record be?

Wood, Here's a story they'll love in Cleveland:

As you've noticed 88 kind of hates all things Wizards, but bring up Gilbert Arenas and the guy goes into some kind of split personality blue in the face tantrum.

One night last year he's on here all jacked up on something spouting off about Arenas. Then he starts whining about The Bet. Seems 88'er, according to the story he told, bet $7,000.00 on the Wiz /Cav's playoff game where Arenas missed the two free throws after LaBron walked up to him at the foul line.

He says his hate of Arenas was justified cause he lost his car, his girl, and $7,000.00. I'd have taken it out on LaBron, but then again I never was stupid enough to bet 7k.

This really has nothing to do with anything else. But Wood you seem like a nice enough guy for a Cleveland fan, and the story is too funny for one city to hold!

Have at it 88! You seem in a vulgar mood already, give the old barnyard your best shot!

----------

LOL

That may be one of the funniest stories I have ever read!

DAMN YOU ARENAS NOW I HAVE TO WALK TO WORK!!

Wood,

Sorry, bandwagon Cavs comment was not directed at true fans. Of course there are many... but if you were at the game last night, you would have seen the billion "Witness" t-shirts. Cavs are sort of like the Bullets, no real reason for a national fan base unless someone is jumping on the bandwagon. Heck, I'm originally from Ohio and a huge Browns fan and I'd feel guilty rooting for them.

Hell, did you forget, we were short handed too! As for Lebron, he is a great player, I will give him that. But enough already, he is just a mere mortal like everyone else and I don't blame the players for not bowing to him, especially in their own house! Who the hell is scared of pissing him off??!!?? Ain't nobody, yes I said ain't, scared of Lebron.

Rob P brought up a good point. EJ had Caron going 41 minutes last night...first game back from his injury.

Gilby, if he ever returns, should be getting max minutes too. Maybe he'll have a career ending injury and we can stop talking about max money from now on.

I'm speaking in terms of last nights game and moving forward into the playoffs. Not overall records and how they were obtained. You don't want to see us!! Bottomline!!!

Wood, I'm one of the few people, apparently, who thought the Cavs were going to be great after they acquired Hughes and Donyell Marshall.

Folks forget this, but Hughes was an All Star-caliber player when Cleveland got him. He was brilliant that season with the Wiz. And I never thought he'd cramp LeBron's style- nothing at all wrong with having two players who can penetrate and dish (remember that Hughes broke into the league as a PG, and has played the position substantially throughout his career.)

Marshall was also a high-quality three-point shooter who could rebound a little. I mean, he was deadly from outside.

At the time, I thought Cleveland was set to be the dominant team for the next few years. Things didn't work out, but at the time I was really jealous of their maneuvering to get those players. I've always thought that there was lots of 20-20 hindsight by the people who were so critical of those moves.

My west-coast team is going to the finals...but that isn't why I'm posting here.

I read everyone's comments here.... and "most of you" are clue-less homers.

The Wizards and Coach Jordan have done an excellent job of keeping things together, and playing well.

However, to say that LeBron James is the only one who travels, or that he travels more than others, or gets more calls...that's ignorant. Go watch the game again...pretend that the Wizrds are some other team.... Watch how Pavlovic was called for 3 fouls where he never even touched the guy he supposedly fouled.

And that "Charge" that you are all praising Stevenson for taking.... It was the wrong call. Go check the rules (they're online), a player cannot be charged with an offensive foul unless the defensive player is "set" in his position. DeShawn was running with LeBron...he was never "set".

Beyond that... how about Anderson Varejao getting clothes-lined...and not getting a call? Or LeBron getting "pushed" into the stands by Butler?

I'm sure that LeBron and the Cavaliers received some beneficial calls also, but most of you talk as if only LeBron gets them. I wonder if you'd all be praising yourself and the Wizards if LeBron makes that shot? My guess is that you'd say that the Cavs got all the calls.

The game was called evenly...as are 90% of all NBA games.

The Wizards, I believe are a lot better than they are given credit for.... but blame that on the Boston Hype. I have posted on MANY sites that I think a healthy Wizards team will beat Boston...but we prolly wont find out.

As for the Cavaliers... The Have not played one game all season without at-least 3 of their top 8 guys. Add to that the fact that they made a trade for Ben (no offense) Wallace, and Wally Szczerbiak, who has shot 32% since the trade, and you start to see why the Cavs can be so dangerous.

As for the Cavs and Wizards meeting in the playoffs..... Even if they dont meet in the first round, I wouldn't be surprised to see them meet in the second round, or even the conference finals...assuming both teams are 100% healthy.

Wood,Thought you'd like it! Don't worry 88' doesn't walk to work. This Blog's pretty much his life.

I was at the game and I did NOT see a billion Witness shirts. In fact, it was great to see the crowd energized for the WIZ for once instead of sitting on their hands and holding their tongues. The VC was off the chain!

I'm speaking in terms of last nights game

Last night's game we were without our All Star PG, our backup Center, a PF playing through significant back pain, and a SF coming back from a two-month layoff.

You still weren't hurting as much as the Wiz.

highly disagree that your front court is strong, offensively or defensively.

Let's see. Jamison is averaging a double-double, and went to the All-Star game.

Haywood is the 2nd-rated C in the East (and 9th-rated in the league), according to John Hollinger's ESPN PER ratings.

Caron was another all-star, and having a great season before the injury. His line last night, even after a couple months off, shows what kind of player