Although LeBron was not able to record his third career triple-double, he was able to put the Washington Wizards on the short end of a 30-point blowout. The level of physicality went through the roof as Brendan Haywood was ejected in the third quarter because of a flagrant foul that sent LeBron James flying to the ground. (Although he was quick to regroup and get back on his feet.)
I would expect the game to be called a lot closer in Game 3 because the NBA has been trying to improve its image and the refs probably aren't going to tolerate any of this nonsense much longer.
There was talk after the game about the flagrant and whether or not it was intentional.
"It was not a basketball play in any shape or form," LeBron said.
There was no comment from Haywood, as he didn't speak to reporters and was escorted out of Quicken Loans Arena by security guards.
There was a previous altercation in Game 1 between LeBron James and Brendan Haywood. Haywood may face further discipline by the front office of the NBA.I wouldn't go bragging, though, if I were a Cavaliers fan. That's mostly because they have been in a couple of previous series when they have had wins of 25 points or more and ended up losing the series on both occasions. However, that was before the King James era.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas chipped in with 16 and Wally Szczerbiak threw in 15 for the defending Eastern Conference Champion Cavaliers.
Gilbert Arenas was 2-of-10 from the floor and was a non-factor, as was pretty much the entire team. The Wizards' big three—Caron Butler, Gilbert Arenas, and Antawn Jamison—combined to go 10-for-36 for a total of 28 points.
LeBron opened up in the third quarter going for 14 points and helped the Cavaliers open up a 25-point lead. This allowed LeBron to head to the bench with 6:12 left in the game, and he was able to rest his body after the beating he took from the Wizards defenders.
I'm sure he'll be ready for the physical play again in Game 3. The only question to be answered is…will the Wizards be ready for LeBron?
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2 months ago
The big secret about the Wizards getting crushed isn't their health (I think Gilbert is about 95% and Caron is about 98%)... Its really about the fact that Caron and particularly Gilbert's return has disrupted their chemistry to such an extent that they aren't sure what to do... Granted, in the regular season -- both teams won their games when played on their home court. I see the Cavs sweeping the Wiz -- simply on the merit that the Wizards aren't playing their game... they're playing thug ball. And if they are gonna get it going -- Jamison and Arenas have got to show up...
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