Game 6 Tonight

Game 5 was a stunner, a 120-88 blowout in which everyone played well on our end. Boston led by six at halftime, a low number when you consider that LeBron James hadn't yet made a field goal. Watching the game, I couldn't help but feel that James and the Cavs would wake up in the second half, and feared that we hadn't taken full advantage of their sluggish first 24 minutes. But James wouldn't make a bucket for the first six minutes of the third quarter, either, by which time the Celtics had extended the lead to 13. It was 17 at the end of the third, and still Cleveland never put up a fight -- despite the fact that Boston's blown big second-half leads this year, including in Game 1 of this series (and nearly Game 2).

The Cavs seem to be in disarray. For the second straight year, James' strengthened supporting cast -- now with Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison in addition to Mo Williams -- has not performed up to expectations. Their coach is on the hot seat. Their owner was in the stands for Game 5 and has voiced his displeasure. And James, while he is allowed a bad game now and then, is being (rightfully) pilloried for his lack of humility and focus.

It's tempting to say, then, that all of this adds up to a pretty strong chance that Boston closes it out tonight at home. I can't help but be reminded, however, of last year's Eastern semis with Orlando, in which the Magic seemed on the verge of collapse after Game 5, only to come back and shoot the lights out for two games, taking Game 7 on our home court. The Cavs are professionals the way the Magic are, and they still have the most dangerous player in the game. I expect a full effort tonight. No, if we win tonight -- and I think we will -- it will be because we've been a better team than Cleveland; not during the regular season, but during this series.