Bleacher Report - Articles by Martin Whaley

The Five-Man Game: A Look at Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers in Round Two

Martin Whaley — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:05:36 -0400

Ever since LeBron James was drafted in 2003, just about everyone knew the Cavs were going to be a one-man show. Cleveland was blessed to have such a talent grace their hardwood.

Years later, we become witnesses of LeBron James continuously taking the Cavs to the playoffs on his back.

But is it just LeBron’s fault for Cleveland's success? No.

As I'm watching Cleveland and Boston battle it out in the second round of the playoffs this year, I really see the importance of Cleveland's role players and other starters.

In a time where James is struggling, the Cavs are playing neck to neck with the leagues top defense! Why is this?

Just take a look at Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The man has been an incredible help to the team: averaging 16 ppg, over three orpg, and not to mention his shot blocking.

Also take a look at Joe Smith and Anderson Varejao. Both are big men willing to step in front of penetrators to take a charge.

Look at Wally Szczerbiak and his excellent game five performance. Even look at Delonte West and his ability to score and pass the ball.

Let’s face it. The Cavs has shown to be much more than a one-man show in this series against Boston, and they have shown that in the past.

Boston's bench is not as deep as Cleveland's, and that may be contributing to the horrible road showings in the playoffs.

Tracy McGrady said, "It's my fault we can't rebound, It's my fault we weren't playing defense, It's my fault we can't hit open shots, It's my fault the guy in the third row got a Heineken instead of a Bud Light."

Tracy had a point. Basketball is not a one man sport. People are right when they say Cleveland is nothing with out LeBron. But I would also be right in saying Cleveland would be nothing with out Z, Wally, Delonte, etc.

It is not up to LeBron to win this series. It is up to the Cavs to win this series.

And possibly go all the way

LeBron James Is Robbed in NBA MVP Voting

Martin Whaley — Wed, 07 May 2008 06:27:26 -0400

Nobody is questioning if Kobe was deserving of the recent MVP award. Kobe has been a fantastic player for years, and was almost always deserving of the MVP.

The only question becomes, did LeBron deserve to get fourth place in the voting?

No. LeBron once again had an amazing year.

The Cavs have struggled with injuries all season, and they couldn't get Anderson signed in a timely manner. Anyone remember when LeBron won a game with a D-League cast? On top of that, LeBron had to adjust to his new teammates after the trade deadline.

But, despite all that—LeBron carried his team to the playoffs.

Here's an interesting fact: There was only one person who gave him a first place vote!

I DON'T BUY THAT, NOT FOR A SECOND!

I'm not suggesting to take the MVP from Kobe, but I am saying there was a lot of voters who really overlooked LeBron's ability.

Last point—I am beginning to rethink the true meaning of MVP. Is it Most Valuable Player or Most Valuable Team?

Yes, team success is important, but I'm beginning to think there is too much emphasis on the team in an individual award. However, I'm not saying give the MVP to a guy whose team did not make the playoffs.

LeBron James was better in the stat book than any other candidate.

30 PPG, 7 REB, 7 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STLPER game. Nobody will argue that they are not MVP numbers, at least I hope.

Fourth place? Really, what's up with that?

Can the Cavaliers and LeBron James Beat Boston?

Martin Whaley — Wed, 07 May 2008 05:53:15 -0400

The short answer to this question is yes.

The Cavs in game one gave Boston a run for their money, while the "star" only had two field goals AT THE GARDEN!

Any Boston fan will argue that Ray Allen and Paul Pierce couldn't get it going either; but this is only because of the match-ups the Cavs and Boston are creating.With Delonte West and Daniel "Boobie" Gibson's quickness, they can always get a hand in the face of Allen.

LeBron is also not a good match-up for Pierce. Not only is LeBron too big for him, but he is too fast as well. I also have a feeling once Ben Wallace watches some more film, he could do much better against Kevin Garnett.

The Cavs did almost everything right in game one: they caused turnovers, played solid defense, offensive rebounding was present, got open looks, and got to the line. If you're a Boston fan you're worried right now, especially since James only dropped 14 points!

The series will not be a short one, I can see this game going 6-7 games. And you have to think: Maybe the long series Boston had in Atlanta kind of ran them down a bit, especially because of the athleticism of the Hawks.

The real questions is: Are the Celtics ready for another 7 game series?