Game 5: Tonight Feels Different
There will not be a lot of stats in this piece. In a lot of ways there won’t be a ton of analysis. Instead as we wait for Game 5 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls, the feeling seems different. Not good, not bad. Just different.
When the season started the Cavs were expected to compete for at least an Eastern Conference Title. Then they struggled coming out of the gate and the expectations fell off a little bit. LeBron James was hurt, the offense was inconsistent and the defense was consistently awful.
Then came the trade(s) for J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov. LeBron returned and the team started clicking. Their run since the middle of January raised expectations to unbelievable heights. At that point the only thing that seemed to be keeping the Cavs from an NBA Title was the amazing Golden State Warriors.
That feeling continued all the way into the Cavs opening series with the Boston Celtics. A clean sweep in a series with tough physical play seemed just like what the Cavs needed to prepare themselves for what the NBA Playoffs were all about.
Then came the shoulder injury to Kevin Love. If I’m honest, that injury has kept me from writing more often as it has tainted the season so greatly. Doesn’t change my fandom but just like the rest of the Cavs’ faithful it was hard to put my finger on how everything would be impacted.
The Bulls series, without J.R. Smith for 2 games and obviously Love, has been a rough and tumble, back and forth series. Game 1 with Pau Gasol eating us alive. Game 2 with the Cavs dominating the Bulls completely. Game 3 and 4 which both set back basketball’s watch-ability factor by a couple of years but were saved by amazing last second game winning shots.
All of that leads to tonight. In a season that has been somewhat of a roller coaster. In a series that has been somewhat of a roller coaster. Tonight feels different for the Cavs. Expectations have changed but even still fans and players alike think they could make the NBA Finals. This series has kept us guessing yet we still have hope that the Game 2 Cavs, the post trade version of the Cavs, will come out tonight and show their strength.
More from King James Gospel
- 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
- 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
As a fan, it feels different though. Should I expect the Cavs to win? Even if they win this series do they have the ability to win another before making the NBA Finals? Will it be a repeat of 2007, a clean destruction of a sweep, even if they make it?
What should I be hoping for? What should I be expecting?
I have no idea but after a very interesting season, after a very interesting series and after two game winning shots, tonight feels different.
Does Game 5 feel different for you Cavs fans?