There was an early part of the season when the Cavaliers fell behind in the group of "Champion Contenders." With their 102-87 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Staples on Christmas Day - they might have joined the Contender list again.
Following the victory, LeBron James said it wasn't a statement game. However I want to direct this victory to all the Charles Barkleys and other Cavalier doubters. Give them much credit, the Cleveland Cavaliers went into the Lakers' home and broke the 11-game winning streak of the champs.
The game was a beauty for the Cavaliers, especially Mo Williams who had no remorse for Derek Fisher or his "so call" unstoppable team. The Feisty Mo had 28-points, including 3/3 from downtown.
LeBron played fair going 9-19 from the floor for 26 points. But it's the Cavs bench led by Jamario Moon on offense and Varejao on defense, that is really the big story tonight.
From the start to end, Cleveland wanted the game more and it dominated every part of the box score. The paint was shut down seeing that Gassol had 11-points and just 4-points for Andrew Bynum.
Kobe Bryant shot 30-percent, the team shot 30-percent and the combination of Odom and the rest of the bench was just atrocious - thanks to presence of Shaq in the Paint.
The Lakers just could not take the Cavs' offense or defense. Ron Artest fouled out, Odom received 2-techs and the Cavaliers just got under the skin of Kobe Bryant.
It is obvious to me who is the better defensive team. This game was a test for the Cavs. Everyone thought they couldn't beat the elite teams and they received an early Christmas present indeed.
On the other hand, the Lakers' crowd had a spoiled Holiday Spirit. After the Cavs' rowdy defense caused the fans to lose their cool - the crowd began throwing foam and water bottles at the Cavaliers. They even booed the Lakers off the court.
Like a real leader, through all the adversity, LeBron grabbed his teammates and reminded them to stay cool and finish the game in a kindly fashion.
Everyone was counting the Cavs out the playoff race in the East. Boston and Orlando should watch out. The Cavaliers didn't just win against the Lakers! They embarrassed them and it showed as the Lakers were too frustrated to play anything like championship material.
LeBron is now 7-6 against the Lakers, while Kobe is 5-7 against the Cavs. The Lakers and Cavs rematch in January at the Quicken Loans arena, this time the Lakers will not play as if it is a walk in the park.
The Cavaliers play the Houston Rockets next @ the Q. They look to avenge the lost Houston handed to them earlier in the season.
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