It’s do or die time for the Cavs. So what can we expect to see in Game 4? For starters, it’s going to be a higher scoring game. That’s pretty much a given. It almost can’t get any lower scoring. If it does, the only people watching will be in San Antonio (Cleveland fans might even turn it off).
I really can’t see the Cavs losing this game. No way they get swept. LeBron will be attacking from the start. He finally learned that by posting up Bruce Bowen he can score just about anytime he wants. I expect him to do that on two of every three possessions. The other one, he’ll go hard to the hole. LeBron has too much pride to let his team get swept.
The rebounding and defense was there in Game 3. I expect it to be in Game 4. They will play with more energy and intensity they did to start Game 3. That’s kind of sad though because they should have been playing as if Game 3 was an elimination game. Nevertheless, the Cavs know they have nothing to lose and they will play that way. Balls to the wall for 48 minutes. I expect the Cavs to run a little more. To push the ball up court, push the tempo and try to change the style of the game. They have to do something different and that might be what it takes. Get LeBron some easy buckets and Boobie some open looks.
They slowed down San Antonio’s big three last game. I don’t expect they will do that again but I also don’t expect Bowen and Barry to knock down three’s all game again.
Boobie will have a better game. Again, he can’t really have a worse one. But I agree with my blogger friend Graig (gmoneysack.blogspot.com) that Boobie should still be coming off the bench. Start Eric Snow, bring Boobie in at about the 6-minute mark. He seems to give the Cavs a little spurt and energy.
I expect there still to be that “Dave Roberts Moment.” Not giving up all hope yet. Win tonight at home, win Sunday at home and then see if we can’t surprise them in Texas. They have nothing to lose tonight. Play hard and have fun. If they lose, they lose. Still a great season no one saw coming. If they win, it give the city of Cleveland one more chance to party. And I expect there will be a game on Sunday. Of course, I also expected the Cavs to win Game 3 and the series so I guess what I expect doesn’t mean much. But hopefully it will this time.
