Why Did The Cleveland Cavaliers Lose This Series?

The Magic had the Cavs right where they wanted them during this series.

The Cavs played the Magic's game, forcing up jump shots in a frenzy. They didn't do that in their first eight playoff games where they went to the rim at will.

The Cavs big men didn't give Dwight Howard a challenge the whole series, let alone last night (he had 40, 14, and 4 last night). Ben Wallace used to be the "Minister of Defense" in his Detroit Pistons years, but he and Z were Dwight Howard's punching bags for six games.

Superman flew high and above the Cavs, and his "Justice League colleagues" would nail a three if they tried to focus on him (they did that 62 times in six games, a playoff record in a six game series). Don't forget the Magic's brilliant bench play. Mickael Pietrus was nailing dagger shots all series, while Cleveland's bench was pathetically weak. Wally and the Cavs bench were a non-factor.

Mo Williams pulled a disappearing act against an elite team, AGAIN! The Cavs need a low post scorer, a big upgrade over Z who is trash.

Lastly, how about LeBron James? He may be the king, but he was relegated to jump shots throughout much of the series. As his palace came tumbling down so did the Cavs chances.

You have to credit the Magic though. They weren't scared, and they beat down the Cavs  in the post, beyond the arc, and at every other aspect of the game. The Magic out-classed and out-coached the Cavaliers.

The Magic fly to L.A. to face the Lakers on Thursday, while Cleveland once again goes golfing, wondering what could have been.

I will be rooting for the Magic. I hope they defeat the Lakers. I hate the Lakers.