Since the recent trade of Center and fan favorite Zydrunas Ilgauskas (with rumors circulating that the NBA may try to block his return to Cleveland), nothing has gone right for the Cleveland Cavaliers on the court.
Some call it bad karma, while others say give newly acquired All Star Forward Antawn Jamison a little more time to adjust to his new team.
Either way, the Cavs have lost three straight games–for the first time, since 2008. The most recent loss being fueled by Vince Carter and his Orlando Magic’s 101-95 nationally televised win on their home court. And this may be the most disappointing loss for Cavs fans (who were looking for a sweep), because Lebron and Company already beat the Magic twice this season.
In their last match-up, at Quicken Loans Arena, Lebron was honored before the game for being selected to the 2010-2012 USA Basketball Roster. He held up a number 12 Jersey– and took pre-game NBA publicity pictures, along with his General Manager Danny Ferry.
He then completed his infamous Chalk routine, and signaled for the sold out Quicken Loans Arena crowd to remain standing and turn up their volume—as loud as they possibly could. Cavs fans happily obliged, as they could easily see that Lebron was extra hyped up for the nationally televised Orlando Magic rematch. He had a focused look on his face, and it was obvious that he was on a mission to win the second meeting.
Although he scored 33 points, had 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 6 assists, Lebron didn’t have the same look of intensity on his face in Amway Arena. And, showing much improvement since his horrific debut in a Cavs uniform, Antawn Jamison scored 19 points, had 8 rebounds, and 1 steal.
Shaq’s mom was in attendance to cheer her son, and the Cavs on, but it was Orlando Center Dwight Howard who won the much publicized “Battle of the Supermen.” He outscored Shaq (20 points) with 22 points, out rebounding him with 16 (Shaq-5), and had one more assist than Shaq-with a total of 2.
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* – Shaq & Dwight Howard photo credit: AP photo via Cleveland.com
