King James Gospel
Fansided

Cleveland Cavaliers: A complete guide to the East NOT being weak

By Alishah Pearine

AUBURN HILLS, MI - NOVEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers practices his pre game ritual before a game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2008 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by D. Lippitt/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - NOVEMBER 19: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers practices his pre game ritual before a game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2008 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by D. Lippitt/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 12
Next
CHICAGO – APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts up a half court shot for a basket at the end of the third quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Bulls during the 2010 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2010 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO – APRIL 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers puts up a half court shot for a basket at the end of the third quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Bulls during the 2010 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2010 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2009-10 Playoff Run

LeBron continued his MVP campaign, winning his second consecutive MVP. He led the Cavaliers to a 61-21 record and averaged 29.7 points, 8.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game. Free Agency was coming up this offseason so there was a lot of pressure on the organization to surround LeBron with enough talent to compete for a championship.

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Chicago Bulls

After going 7 Games with a Garnett-less Celtics a year ago—in what many consider one of the greatest playoff series’ of all time—the Bulls (41-41) were a young and scrappy team, led by Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng. They had five guys average more than 10 points a game and another four average more than 8 points off the bench.

It was obvious the Bulls weren’t going to beat the Cavs, but their hustle and determination did help them win one game. Derrick Rose led the way for the Bulls, averaging 26.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, Deng averaged 18.8 points with 5 rebounds and Joakim Noah averaged 14.8 points and grabbed 13 rebounds per game.

LeBron averaged 31.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists with 1.2 steals and 2.4 blocks per game. He also shot 56.7% from the field and 54.2% from 3. Antwan Jamison also had himself a series, averaging 19.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.

The Bulls showed promise, but it wasn’t their time now.

Eastern Conference Semifinals: Boston Celtics 

Boston looked hungrier than ever to go back to the NBA Finals. Their offense wasn’t stellar, but their defense still ranked top 5 in the league. The X-Factor of the series was Rajon Rondo who averaged 20.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 11.8 assists. His production, coupled in with the Big 3’s production and the rumors swirling within the Cavaliers organization, proved to be too much for LeBron and the Cavs as they went down 4-2.

LeBron averaged 26.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.

Many thought he gave up on the Cavs in Games 4 and 6, giving him an excuse to leave for Miami and create a super team to compete with Boston’s super team.