Cleveland Cavaliers vs Miami Heat: Cavs Rejoice as LeBron James Falters
"Taking my talents to South Beach" - LeBron James.
The six words that inflicted agony and anguish into the hearts of Cleveland residents. With a dwindling economy centered around the declining manufacturing industry, it is clear that this blue-collar city with a rapidly decreasing population sustained a big blow the day LeBron James decided to head for the sunny Florida beaches.
When LeBron James decided to sign with the Miami Heat, it is estimated that the Cavaliers lost between $58 million and $100 million in value.
This season fans of the Cavs have been forced to endure torture. While they defeated the Celtics in the opening game of the season, things have been far from ideal for Cleveland. Despite quality wins against the Knicks and the Lakers, this Cavaliers team has been subjected to humiliation throughout the season.
The 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers rewrote the history books by losing 26 straight games this season, a new NBA record. Yet the humiliation does not end there.
On December 2, 2010, the Cavs were devoured by LeBron James and the Miami Heat. James, who contributed a season-high 38 points, insisted it was not personal, yet it was. He laughed, he tried to rekindle old relationships on the floor, he talked trash and when it was all said and done, the Heat won 118-90.
Devastation consumed the fans as the players held their heads in their hands wondering what happened. LeBron James happened. He played with a chip on his shoulder. He played with something to prove. He wanted to stick it to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert for the departing gift he received: the letter that reduced King James to a pawn.
On December 2, LeBron James brought a rocket launcher to a fist fight, and it showed. The Cavs were shredded to pieces and LeBron and company headed for the sunny skies of South Beach smiling.
Yet the Cavs have answered back.
On March 29, 2011, the Miami Heat returned to Cleveland. Bookmakers set the Heat as a 13.5-point favorite. Everyone was expecting the Heat to have their way with the Cavs. The crowd would not be as vocal and the supremely talented Miami Heat were expected to devour the mediocre Cleveland Cavaliers once again.
Yet it didn't happen.
The Cavaliers came ready to play, December 2 fresh in their minds. LeBron James and company may have been expecting another walk in the park but the Cavs made sure December 2 did not repeat itself.
The Cavs shot an astonishing 55.6 percent from the field, out-rebounded the Heat 44-30 and made their presence known with seven blocks. They were not going to be mauled by LeBron James, they were not going to be taunted and most importantly, they were not going to be humiliated.
The Cavs beat the Heat 102-90, snapping the Heat's five game winning streak and dropping them a game behind the Boston Celtics for the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
After enduring a season of torture, the fans rejoiced. Dan Gilbert was smiling, the players were happy and the crowd created a playoff like atmosphere for a team 17 games behind the Pacers for the last playoff spot.
The 15-58 Cavs have not seen much success. They are not like the 51-23 Miami Heat. They do not win much, they are not in the national spotlight as they once were and have been ridiculed throughout the NBA.
Meanwhile the Miami Heat appear to be headed in the opposite direction and before tonight, have returned to winning ways led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. The sunny skies in Miami are starting to shed light on the Miami Heat as they appear to be legitimate title contenders.
Yet on a night like this, the Cavs get to experience that same feeling. For one night only, the Cavs have gone back in time to 2007 where they were playing for a championship title. They are back in the spotlight pounding noisemakers and producing an electrifying atmosphere. Cleveland, a city among America's highest in foreclosure rates and population decrease is winning again.
For one night.
