All season Cleveland established themselves as an NBA Eastern fave! Led by MVP LeBron James the Cavaliers have put together a quality team. Their weak link however has been an inconsistent bench.
As the playoffs began the Cavs seemed to be playing at a high level though. In the first 2 rounds they steamrolled Detroit and Atlanta. As a result they were not exactly battled tested.
On the other hand Orlando began the year as a elite team in the East but somewhat sputtered through the season. Losing Jameer Nelson for the better part of the season did not help either. Ironically as the playoffs began against the 76ers rookie Courtney Lee has stepped up his game significantly. This has added a reliable offensive option as he also adds another 3 point shooter to the Magic line up.
But while the Cavs were on cruise control the Magic were being pushed to the limit. The 76ers gave them numerous down to the wire action. Although in a few of the games the Magic would take a close half time lead and blow the Sixers out of the 3rd quarter only to relinquish a size-able lead. And a couple games this bit them in the rump.
The Celtics were no less a challenge although not having Kevin Garnett would be a problem. And the 7 games series also may have given the Orlando line up a sense of winning under pressure. And beating the defending champs even without Garnett helped Orlando come into Cleveland without fear.
Cleveland is struggling in the first few games I think because the role players have not learned that as each round ends you need to raise your game for the next round. LeBron can only carry you so far by himself. The bench has been awful where as Orlando's bench has been productive.
That said the series is only 2 to 1 with Orlando leading. It is not time to panic but they do need to win one in Orlando, preferably the next game.
Keywords: Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA Eastern Finals, NBA Playoffs, Orlando Magic
