LeBron to Magic: Stop Me If You Can

If you liked LeBron James Thursday in the fourth quarter of Game 5 -- when he made everyone else look like puppets on his string -- you'll love what he has planned for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference final Saturday.

He is promising even more of the same, essentially challenging the Orlando Magic with a Stop-Me-If-You-Can proclamation.

"When you haven't seen something like that in a long time, it's easy to say, 'it's too much pressure for one guy,' but I live for that moment,'' James said Friday at the team hotel in Orlando. "I was built for this. It's probably something we'll go to again.''

Taking the ball at the top of the key on almost every Cleveland possession in those final 12 minutes, James dictated the flow of the game, making everyone react to his moves, either scoring or assisting in 32 of the Cavs' final 34 points.

"It's pretty simple, give him the ball and get out of the way,'' chuckled teammate Delonte West on Friday. "You free up LeBron to just play playground ball, one-on-one at the top of the key. It's tough to double him there. If you do, you'll probably pay.''

As good as James has been all series and all season, he was at his best in Game 5 when he finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, making sure the season didn't end there, cutting Orlando's series lead to 3-2.

The Cavs were so confident of winning Game 5 in Cleveland -- and they're still confident now -- that each of them came to the arena with their bags packed for the airport and the flight immediately following to Orlando. Cleveland coach Mike Brown even bought his family's tickets Thursday morning.

"We were confident we were coming back to Orlando. And now we're here to win Game 6,'' Brown said, comparing his strategy with what the Magic do by surrounding Dwight Howard with 3-point shooters. "For anyone else, it could be a load, but that's what makes him (James) great. He's capable of coming through.''

James spent the early parts of Game 5 making sure his teammates were more involved than they had been in the previous four games. He made sure they were ready when he created their opportunities down the stretch. He didn't score all the points, just 17 in the fourth, but he made sure someone did.

"It was like he was going one-on-five,'' said teammate Wally Szczerbiak, one of the shooters in the fourth quarter Thursday. "Whenever LeBron has the ball like that 15-to-20 feet from the basket, it's not easy to guard him when our shooters are ready. He forces you to pick your poison.''

James has averaged 41.2 points in the five games against the Magic, and they prepared extensively to minimize the damage he would do against them. For four games, the defense worked reasonably well because they kept his teammates in check.

But Game 5 was different, and he presented different problems with his latest strategy from the top of the key. He played 46 minutes but he never wore down. The load never looked to heavy for him.

"It's tough for teams to defend this,'' he said. "And I'm comfortable in this role. I wasn't tired. I'm not going to get tired. It's every possession for five straight games. I'm okay with that.''

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

5-29-2009 @ 10:31PM

James said...

It's no wonder Lebron skipped college and went right to the NBA. In college you actually have to play by the rules. Yes James, you can't run into people like a linebacker, knock them over and have the foul called on the other guy...because of your name. I have no doubts Cavs vs LA. That's where the money is and that is the way the NBA is fixing it. Lebron will continue to play rugby and continue to make a joke out of what used to be a great sport to watch.

5-29-2009 @ 11:02PM

rk68 said...

James, you said it sooo well!! I'm so sick of this going on during the entire series between the Magic and the Cavs! It seems that ANYTIME anyone even gets close to LBJ while his bulldozing his way to the basket, he WILL get fauled. Where is the fairness, where is the real basketball that was used to be? I'm not saying LBJ is not a great player cause he is BUT shame on the league, the refs and the networks to let this happen. If the game was fairly called there would have never been this controversy nor would Cleveland still be in this series. To give a gift of 20-30 points in each game to the Cavs (and cheering them for it) is just a crime! But ya know what...? I have a feeling that the Magic is not ready just yet for the offseason. With their talent, even with all the help of the league to Cleveland, they will STILL close those cheaters out!! GO (you "little, annoying and insignificant") MAGIC!!! ;)

5-29-2009 @ 11:10PM

Ted Babs Soesbee said...

Lebron James is the best thing since Jordan. He has game man. Thats all. You cant guard someone that is not only big like he is, but quick as a cheetah. Yeah..he hits like linebacker. And , yes, he is not getting the charging foul called on him enuff. You know why? Because he is not charging. He is fast, dude. He is in the paint , goin to the hole, and defenders are moving to stop him, and they are too late. Not because the NBA is fixing the game. If that was the case, the Celtics would be going for another title.

5-30-2009 @ 12:43PM

sonchopanza said...

To All YOU BABIES: QUIT CRYING! Tell you man Howard to stay out of James way and there will not be any problems. You should be glad the refs have bad eyes or your boy Howard would be getting called for swinging his elbows 3x a game. He better hope none of them hit a cavs player or Mike Brown will unleash the hounds. If Orlando is blowing Cleveland out late in the game it will be "payback" time! You can tell that Howard is a little timid and only tries to act tough, he's a mommas boy for sure

5-30-2009 @ 3:11PM

ayancura said...

Said the ORLANDO fan...you obviously don't know too much about basketball do you? I'm sorry have you seen Howard w/ his complete smug, arrogant ass get out of technicals? Don't even give me this line about playing like a linebacker!

5-29-2009 @ 11:13PM

MenoRikey said...

What the hell does Mike Brown get paid for?

5-29-2009 @ 11:32PM

imshortyk said...

Lol! Good question, Meno! You or I could coach that damn team!

"Hey guys, here's the plan! . . . give the ball to LeBron and let him be coach." Lol. It also makes me wonder what Doc Rivers gets paid for.

"Alright guys, here's the plan! . . . when you so much as have the ballhandler's jersey touch you, you FLOP to the floor and scream! Get out there and make me proud!"

It's awful, bro. I give all the credit in the world to LeBron, the guy's a beast, but I really don't want to see the Cavs to the Finals. Not only because I'm an Orlando fan, but also for the sport, y'know? Orlando deserves to be in the Finals more than any other team. I dunno another team that was doubted SO much in each of its playoff series.

I have all the confidence in the world that they'll close it out tomorrow night, I just have to worry at the same time . . . because of LeBron, and because of these damn refs.

5-29-2009 @ 11:55PM

jhnlmy said...

Anyone who cries about the refs should really open their eyes. It definitely is not one sided. I agree that they seem to make their fair share of bad calls and many non calls but it goes both ways and in the playoffs they have to let these guys play and not whistle the game to death. Let's face it Magic fans, the refs are not what you are worried about, Lebron is coming for you..................Go CAVS!

5-30-2009 @ 12:00AM

Sports Fan said...

Meno and IM. I've been wondering the same thing for the past 4 games. Well stated! I watch LBJ play with the same curiosity as watching a train wreck. Just can't help looking.

5-30-2009 @ 12:04AM

Gene said...

Magic in 6,over the Lebron Cavaliers, and the Magic in 6 over the Kobe Lakers, the stats dont lie we own both these teams,, it is Orlando's turn!!! deal with it

5-30-2009 @ 12:05AM

liliacblossom15 said...

Who cares who wins this Eastern final series? You just win the right to lose to Black Mamba and the Lakers. Magic I think they will give Lakers more problems (like it will go to 6 or 7). Cavs will probably get basically swept (4 or 5).

5-30-2009 @ 2:42AM

nabpdcop said...

Thank you for putting it like that. We know who is going to win thw NBA CROWN. LA. LAASS and his boys will go home tonight..........lolololololol

5-30-2009 @ 12:38AM

turnr47 said...

Crybabies, stop whining. The officials or no one else wants to hear you..Learn the rules. Get more kleenex and await the inevitable.Your boys are probably gone fishing so stop hating the game and LJ.
I'm Out~

5-30-2009 @ 12:49AM

kkandnathan12 said...

very good!!!!

5-30-2009 @ 2:44AM

There are some really STUPID people writing on this blog..............lololololololol

5-30-2009 @ 4:02AM

DCTIFOSI said...

I want some of that stuff the people are smoking to hallucinate that the refs are calling it both ways. If you look at him while D'ing him up is foul.

Stan Van Gundy needs to just put in Adonal Foyle in the 4th and knock LBJ on his ass hard going in the lane Rick Mahorn style. Then he'll probably be suspended for the finals and mysteriously violate the drug policy next season to be banned for life from the NB(Entertainment)A.

5-30-2009 @ 5:56AM

daveenlakwood said...

Mike Brown you wanta win on the road against the Magic..... listen up for how to do it..... Early in the 1st quarter make Z and your point guards take the ball inside right at their strength Howard and get him in foul trouble..... he's ready to explode, a ticking time bomb..... when he's on the bench, the Magic backcourt becomes ineffective.....then you let Lebron light them up like the fourth of July.... if you do this you win.... if you stick to your guns and be bull headed.... you will be another Cleveland coach to join the string of the fumble, the drive, the shot.... the debacle..... do u have the gonads to be great Brown or are you ready for a vacation and the headlines that you, not the team, cost Cleveland a title.... trying to out shoot the Magics backcourt with Howard down in the post has failed miserably...... attention: Lebron knows the key to winning is removing Howard from the lineup........ now do it.... we want a championship..... Howard will not expect Z, Ben, and even Sasha coming straight at him in the paint.... knock that silly grin off his lips.....

5-30-2009 @ 8:04AM

Ronald said...

Someone wrote why is Mike Brown or Doc Rivers getting paid lets dont stop here Phil Jackson,Pat(Mr.Slick)Riley and a mind boggling one Lawrence Frank for New JerseyAnd the one about Z driving down the lane,did you see his layup in the last game he took about 4 steps a real stiff if you ever saw one.Bring back Tom Boerwinkle.When the Cavs lose it will be because of Z.YOU GUYS HERE ARE FULL OF SH..

5-30-2009 @ 8:07AM

No later than tonight we will find out if the Cavs have the "secret potion" in winning this series. They are saying they've all figured out the Magic now... LeBron even calling out the Magic to try to stop him.... hehehe.. how is that?? Sounds to me almost another promise, kinda like what Mo Williams was saying before their game 4 loss. You gotta realize, you even fire up the other team more by statements like this. But hey, if the Cavs are so confident and so good to win 3 in a row, then they DESERVE to be in the finals. I just don't think they are. Van Gundy and Co. will not just sit through those 2 remaining games and not come up with a plan to stop this one-man army team. We'll see what happens tonight.. CAN'T wait!!! :)

5-30-2009 @ 9:32AM

orlfrd said...

If not for the refs the Cavs wouldn't still be playing. The NBA is fixing the series.

They are trying to create a marketing machine in Lebron. He's not that good. Just gets every break from the Refs. If ever 2 guard or small forward in the league were allowed to travel the way does, they would all be unstoppable.

The Fix is in. The League and the Ref.s are fixing games again.