Video: Where Charlie Villanueva Loses His Sh*t

The Pistons and Cavs are both having miserable seasons. That didn't stop two of their players though from fighting shoving each other.  The Pistons Charlie Villanueva and Cavaliers Ryan Hollins started showing each other with time running out in the fourth quarter. The players were separated and cooler heads tried to prevail. Only one problem though, Villanueva still wanted a piece of Hollins. Via the Detroit Free Press:

"Both were pulled back to their respective benches and things appeared calm, but after both players were ejected, Villanueva sprinted across the Palace floor toward the Cavs’ locker room.

He was grabbed by Rodney Stuckey and Pistons security head Jerry Hendon and they were able to get him under control."

But wait, Villanueva wasn't quite done yet. He wanted a piece of Hollins in the locker room. Via Ohio.com:

Villanueva still wasn't done. Minutes later, he was stopped by security trying to get into the Cavs' locker room while shouting threats about what he wanted to do to Hollins.

You're going to laugh at what threat Villanueva was shouting.

As he was escorted back to the Pistons’ locker room, Villanueva muttered, “I will kill that dude. I don’t give a (expletive).”

That should have been my high school yearbook quote.

Maybe Kevin Garnett was right about ole Charlie. Charlie sure didn't endure himself to the rest of the league with this little stunt last night.

Yep, LeBron Went There

The Cleveland Cavaliers were thrashed last night by the Los Angeles Lakers. They were thrashed in a historical fashion by the Lakers. The Cavaliers almost lost by as many points as they scored last night. The Cavaliers hit rock bottom last night and guess who was there to kick them in the gut while they were thrashing around on the ground? You guessed it, Lebron James. Check out this tweet from last night.

Very classy. I agree with Basketbawful about Lebron. Lebron isn't embracing the villian roll like a Bill Laimbeer. He's embracing the roll of a wronged superhero.

My favorite part of this tweet is that he mentioned karma, because the karma of the Heat losing in the 2nd round of the playoffs this year will be delicious.

The Dan Gilbert Letter MST 3000 Style

We all know the LeBron has left Cleveland. We all know Cleveland fans haven't taken the news well. In fact, Cleveland fans really took the news hard. That was the immediate reaction by Cleveland fans though was nothing compared to the immediate reaction by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. Gilbert crushed LeBron in the AP and also crushed LeBron with this open letter.

Now do you kids remember Mystery Science Theater 3000? MST3000 was an American cult television show that ran from the late 80's until the late 90's. MST3000 would read open letters on air and then interject their comments into the letter. Well I'm going MST3000 on Dan Gilbert's open letter to Cavalier fans. And no, I won't make fun of the fact he used Comic Sans as his font. My comments in bold:

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight; (What? Cincinnati and Southeast Ohio doesn't count?)

As you now know, our former hero (Cleveland has so few hero's to root for), who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening (But he did it to win more rings!), is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier. (Enjoy the lottery next season Cleveland)

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic (This word has been thrown around a lot lately), self-promotional build-up (The NBA is full of self-promotion) culminating with a national TV special (With Jim Gray!) of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" (Love he quoted decision and witness. I would have cursed in those spots) in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment. ("The Decision" did kill in the ratings.)

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us. (As to exciting/inspired/delighted?)

The good news is that the ownership team (Over/Under the number of years until Gilbert sales the team: 2) and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff (At least someone is employed in this economy) over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you. (Hah! Not betray you? You should have won at least one ring during the LeBron era.)

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future (Translation: We're fucked). Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you. (Translation: We have no idea what to do now. Anderson Varejao is now our best player.)

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal. (Translation: I'm just as surprised he left as well.)

You have given so much and deserve so much more. (Detroit Lions/Buffalo Bills fans are snickering right now.)

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight: (Translation: Here's where I tell LeBron to fuck off.)

"(CAPS LOCK!) I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE" (Hold on I have to pick myself off the floor because I'm laughing so hard.)

You can take it to the bank. (Just don't take a loan from Dan Gilbert's business.)

If you thought we were motivated (LOL) before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland (What does tools have to do with LeBron leaving?) , I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels. (Translation: We have no fucking clue what to do now.)

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there. (MORE CAPS LOCK!)

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works. (Is there a vacation rental in Heaven?)

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. (Yes children. Don't take less money to win a championship. It's all about the Benjamin's.) And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become. (He went with the children card. You see politicians do this all-the-time.)

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio. (I guess when all of your franchises haven't won a title since the Lyndon Johnson era, they yeah your city is cursed.)

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south (That's how you rally the troops.). And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma. (I wouldn't call a city with these type of women "cursed.")

Just watch. (There's nothing else to watch. Both the Indians and Browns suck right now.)

Sleep well, Cleveland. (Burn shit to the ground!)

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day.... (Yes this. Except the exact opposite.)

I PROMISE (MORE CAPS LOCK!) you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only: (Beating the Miami Heat?)

DELIVERING YOU (MORE CAPS LOCK!) the championship (Or that) you have long deserved and is long overdue.... (More snickering from the city of Buffalo)

Dan Gilbert (The guy telling LeBron to fuck off)
Majority Owner (As opposed to Minority?)
Cleveland Cavaliers (The team more irrelevant now than the Cleveland Indians)

"The Fulfillment of Ego" Open Thread

Why yes there will be an open thread for LeDecision's press conference. And yes I and others will be mocking James, Cleveland, Miami, and New York in the process. So feel free to join us in this ESPN induced spectacle.

My Pick, Cleveland: LeBron has come off narcissistic lately that pretty much everyone has turned on him. That's why I'm going with Cleveland. He seems like he's lost complete common sense that he would call a press conference to announce he's re-signing with Cleveland. Multiple sources though he will go to Miami to join Wade and Bosh. New York isn't without hope. If LeBron doesn't choose Cleveland it will be more of a stab in the back then the time Hulk Hogan turned heel and started calling himself Hollywood Hogan.

Leave comments, don't be a troll, and be here by 9PM ET/6PM PT.

Update: It's official, LeBron kicks Cleveland in the groin and chooses the Miami Heat over the Cleveland Cavaliers. I expect Cleveland is burning tonight and it's not the river.

The Links: LeBron Fails, Now Looks For New Home

Christina Aguilera from a GQ shoot..... The Royals fire another manager..... Tom Brady's old lady makes more money than him..... I'm glad this Brian Cushing story is over..... The only baseball team more embarrassing than the Giants is the Mets...... Tony Allen making posters out of people..... Here's one Dallas Cowboy I can cheer for..... ACC Championship game to be broadcast in 3-D..... Some guy named Matt Latos dominates the Giants, I will cry now...... Brian Westbrook to Denver?

Bidding war set to begin on massive failure LeBron James (Sports Pickle)

LeBron trades one drama for another (Yahoo Sports)

11 reasons why the Cavs quit in game six (Five Tool Tool)

Still waiting for a championship in Cleveland (Waiting for Next Year)

LeBron, Cavs not ready to win (Washington Post)

LeBron to Chicago? (TrueHoop)

Arnold Palmer is finally making money off of the drinks named after him (CNBC)

Man saves beached whale while golfing (Deadspin)

Ever wonder what it's like to play basketball with one eye? Phoenix Suns players try their best (The Bright Side of the Sun)



Eric Byrnes played in his first softball game on Wednesday (SB Nation)

The Links: LeBron James' Disappearing Act

Penny Mathis to start the day..... David Wright not the same since being domed?...... MLB Network is looking at a ratings disaster..... Celtics dominate Cavaliers which could be LeBron's last game in Cleveland..... Texas high school basketball star confesses to identity fraud..... TNA wrestling now begging for viewership..... Scumbag Dave Bliss has made a return to Texas..... Carol Burnett to host SNL next?

LeBron James' moment of truth awaits (Yahoo Sports)

Eulogy for LeBron James premature (Fanhouse)

LeBron James' disappearing act (Sporting Blog)

Looks like Winnipeg won't be getting their team back (Winnipeg Free Press)

Keith Hernandez's mustache talks fantasy baseball (The Big Lead)

Where the Phillies stealing signs? (Crashburn Alley)

Should Baltimore's Adam Jones be sent to the minors? (Oriole Post)

A new low for Cubs fans (Talking Chicago Baseball)

You know the Royals are bad when the AP is talking about how bad they are (AP)

Late Show Top 10 with Dallas Braden



Cardio to Eric Clapton (With Leather)

The Links

Elizabeth Hurley to start the morning...... The Redskins are now older because of this signing..... Montreal shocks the Capitals..... The perils of day baseball...... Former Panthers safety says farewell to a blog..... The US soccer jersey is kind of ugly..... Why hasn't the NFL suspend Chicago's Duncan Keith for assaulting a fan?...... Cavaliers-Celtics 2nd round schedule released...... Sandra Bullock files for divorce and adopts a kid..... Freddy Kruger returns!...... Flea infestations shuts down a health department..... Want to see a blue Stork?

12 greatest calls in Smack-Off history (Houston Press)

Halak and the Habs slay Goliath (Eyes on the Prize)

Is Washington DC the worst sports town in America? (Casual Hoya)

The new NCAA President is a playoff kind of man (Sporting Blog)

MLB tweaks All-Star game rules, World Series incentive will be the same (Fanhouse)

Roethlisberger is now the butt of Eminem jokes (PFT)

The Cleveland Indians are the most hated team in baseball? (Waiting for Next Year)

Zack Follet was my favorite player at Cal, he might be Lions favorite player now (Deadspin)

Oliver Purnell might have made a mistake leaving Clemson (CB Nation Blog)

Another reason why Soccer is ridiculous.

The Links

Kristin Bell to start the morning..... A terrible Patriots Day for the Red Sox...... The Sweating Man is returning to Duke..... Lance Berkman may be returning to the Astros soon...... Fred Hill is no longer the Rutgers basketball coach..... Christina Hendricks makes me swoon...... Can we stop celebrifying mistresses?...... Sharon Osbourne will recycle her breast implants...... Dana White is taking a lot of pleasure from the Strikeforce debacle Saturday night

There are some idiots writing for the Denver Post and they're not named Woody Paige (Fear The Fin)

Who will start in place of Kevin Garnett during game 2 for the Celtics? (Celtics Blog)

Joakim Noah doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut (Fanhouse)

If a sex scandal can't draw in younger viewers to The Masters, what can? (Sports Business Journal)

Cause for concern for the Cavs? (News-Herald)

The Jazz aren't going away despite the circumstances (Salt Lake City Tribune)

Ryan Miller is the only one pulling his weight for the Sabres (Buffalo News)

It's time for Notre Dame to join the Big Ten (Columbus Dispatch)

Is Toby Gerhart being overlooked in the draft because he's white? (Yahoo Sports)

Now this is a tailgate party (The 700 Level)



LeBron James made a poster out of James Johnson last night (Outside the Boxscore)

The Links: The Return

Sorry for not posting a links thread in a while. I've been busy. Anyway, here's Mila Kunis to start the week...... A shooting was caught on camera in front of a Philadelphia TV station...... Obama looking to hammer the final nail in the American coffin..... A Boston fan finally picks a winner...... Jesse James' alleged mistress hasn't given up her 15 minutes of fame yet...... I bet we will never see this women on the 'Oprah' show...... Sad story involving Bill Walton and his health..... The most trustworthy beards

Orioles fans need to be realistic (Baltimore Sun)

The love child of Emperor Palpatine and Rodney Dangerfield, Peter Angelos is what's wrong with the Orioles (More Hardball)

The Big Ten might expand faster than expected (The Sporting Blog)

Joakim Noah hasn't endured himself to Cleveland with these remarks (Fanhouse)

Celtics disappointed Kevin Garnett only suspended for one game (Sports Pickle)

Jameer Nelson the difference for the Magic against the Bobcats yesterday (Orlando Sentinel)

The Redskins will abide Mike Shanahan's parking lot rules (Shutdown Corner)

NBC lost $223 millions on the Winter Olympics (Fourth-Place Medal)

Even with Portland missing half of their team to injury, they still managed to beat the Suns in game 1 (TrueHoop)

Mike Lowell back to the Marlins? (City of Champions)

I picked this video not because I'm a Mavericks fan, but I can't stop laughing at the music this guy choose. (The Two Man Game)

The Links

Cheryl Tweedy to finish off the week..... LeBron is not impressed with Craig Sager's suit...... Sean Salisbury finally speaks about 'the situation'...... Don't forget about the Colts defense...... Political wimp Arlen Specter tells Michelle Bachmann to 'act like a lady'....... More bad news for Liberals, Air America went belly up...... USC fans are standing up for Lane Kiffin...... A blog interviews CBS' Seth Davis about college basketball..... Are the Clippers cursed or is it just bad karma?....... Alleged burglar showers, cuts hair, and fries chicken before being caught...... Is Heidi Montag addicted or just obsessed with plastic surgery?

The Lakers are too soft against Cleveland (OC Register)

It's been long overdue for the Utah Jazz to trade Carlos Boozer (Salt Lake Tribune)

Round 1 goes to Ovechkin (Post-Gazette)

The NHL needs to hit the reset button (USA Today)

Lose your job? Become an excellent bowler (LV Review-Journal)

Prince created a fight song for the Vikings (The Big Lead)

The Australian Open is like one giant frat party (Deadspin)

USC fan begs Pete Carroll not to go (Wiz of Odds)

Kobe is grumpy again (YahooSports)

Another reason why Keith Olberman is an idiot (The National Conversation)

Speaking of Olberman, Jon Stewart eviscerates Olberman last night on the Daily Show

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Special Comment - Keith Olbermann's Name-Calling
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

The Links

Rebecca Grant (via James Craven).......Thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones at Ft. Hood...... Dez Bryant confirms he's leaving for the NFL.... Isiah Thomas tries to reinvent himself at FIU..... LeBron is still complaining about not getting to the line at the end of the game last night..... Brock Lesnar has mono..... Are you ready for more Boston Celtics and 72 wins talks?..... More on Lincecum being busted with pot

DeAngelo Hall takes a shot at Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff (PFT)

The Cavaliers couldn't shoot last night against the Bulls (Ball Don't Lie)

With a Super Bowl and NBA All-Star game coming to Dallas in upcoming months, city officials are expecting prostitution numbers to go up (Sportress of Blogitude)

Your week nine NFL announcing schedules (Awful Announcing)

A great story on Aubry Boyd (Fanhouse)

Here's all the reasons why I don't watch WWE Raw anymore (Camel Clutch Blog)

Jumping from High School to the D-League? (TrueHoop)

Should the Phillies still try and acquire Roy Halladay? (Philly.com)

This Tom Cable story is getting worse by the day (With Leather)

SEC replay official overturns Roe vs. Wade (The Onion)

Another reason why Soccer sucks (The Big Lead)

The Links

Sophie Monk in her Halloween costume..... David Spade has to defend that horrible Chris Farley commercial..... Bart Scott wants to "hurt" Chad Henne..... This is what ruined the NBA for me..... Steve Nash is awesome, after all he does swim faster than sharks..... Indiana is trying to make it right with Bob Knight, but he wants nothing to do with them..... Should the Angels keep John Lackey?..... Will Stephen Jackson be traded?...... Is CNN trying to become the next Fox News?

Alex Smith gets a 2nd chance (SI)

Could Eddie DeBartolo own a NFL team again? (PFT)

Sting doesn't believe in God, but believes in Chocolate. And I believe all of Sting's work without the Police sucks. (The National Conversation)

This idiot threatened "snitches" in the Jasper Howard murder at UConn (Yahoo)

Some on Bud! Stop being such an idiot (YahooSports)

It's way early, but what a horrible start for the Cavaliers so far (Inhistoric)

Gretzky deserves better from the NHL (AZ Republic)

I love this divorce mess surrounding the Dodgers (LA Times)

NFL players Halloween costumes (Kissing Suzy Kolber)

Pedro Martinez was good, but the Yankees were better last night (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

A.J. Burnett learned everything he knows from Tomas Perez (The Fightins)



Find the typo! (Deadspin)

The Links

Marisa Miller in a $3 million dollar bra (ht James Craven for e-mailing me the picture)....... Lane Kiffin continues to insert his foot in his mouth..... JaMarcus Russell takes Raiders down destructive path..... Welcome, Yankee Haters!..... Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics are headed for an ugly divorce..... Josh Cribbs is not happy with Browns fans..... More bad news for Redskins fans, Chris Cooley has a broken ankle...... Is Saint Timmy cracking under pressure?...... Kate Gosselin wants to be a movie star

Steve Phillips is in rehab for sex addiction (The Big Lead)

Phillies vs. Yankees preview WWE style (The O Files)

TV deals are the biggest threat to baseball right now (Twinkie Town)

Bears players as Simpsons characters (Jay Cutler Superstar)

The hottest cheerleader on every NBA team (Bleacher Report)

The curse of the Clippers has struck Blake Griffin! Griffin out six weeks with a broken knee cap (YahooSports)

Of course the New York Post has to class up the World Series (The Sports Hernia)

Greg Oden is the key to the Portland Trail Blazers season (Oregonian)

Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin to headline UFC 106 (Bloody Elbow)

The Chiefs need the Larry Johnson distraction (Jason Whitlock)

The Cavaliers can provide Cleveland some relief from the Browns and Indians (Cleveland.com)

USC player doing what USC players do so well, taking cheap shots (Wiz of Odds)



The Obama Hoax (The National Conversation Raw)

The Links

With the return of the links, means the return of Marisa Miller.... Do odd names make boys go bad?.... A terrifying shootout in New Jersey.... Porn star gets 3-8 years for rooftop break-ins..... See! There are other uses for a chainsaw..... A setback for Obama's socialist health care plan..... Mischa Barton may be a little crazy..... Hog flu is still on the loose!..... You have no options with Obamacare..... Drew Bledsoe on how big of loser he is

Antoine Walker is arrested, but still makes tee time (Sports By Brooks)

Daniel Gibson of the Cavs is dating Keyshia Cole (Big Lead)

British Open is a little rough today (Fanhouse)

"Kid, show me a man who doesn't go down on his wife and I'll show you a man whose wife I can sleep with, tonight." (Deadspin)

Battle looming over McNair's estate (PFT)

Eddie Murphy killed Michael Jackson (With Leather)

This makes me hungry (Stiles Points)

What would you do in Richard Jefferson's place? (Ed The Sports Fan)

They just don't wrestle like they used to (Camel Clutch Blog)

And I thought Brock Lesnar was a bad ass.

The Links

Hayden Panettiere to start the mourning... Screw this guy.... Vote for this guy.... The world will now be trying to prevent global temperatures from rising.... Who is going to pay for a National Health Care system?..... Austria doesn't appreciate Sacha Baron Cohen.... The best & worst stadiums in baseball.... What has happened to Dustin Pedroia's power?

Police determine that McNair was killed as a part of a Murder-Suicide (WaPo)

Jordan Crawford talks about dunking on LeBron (The Big Lead) video below

Whoa! Capri Anderson (Hollywood Tuna)

Chris Berman will also be the weatherman for the HR Derby (Awful Announcing)

Dallas, Toronto, Orlando, and Memphis are all involved in a trade (ESPN)

The rise and fall (and rise) of Stephen A. Smith (The Sporting Blog)

The economy might keep LeBron in Cleveland (Akron Beacon Journal)

Shaun Livingston is the oldest 24-year-old in the NBA (True Hoop)

A 'tribute' to UFC's Mike Goldberg (SSReporters)

A Denny Neagle New York Yankees jersey (Straight Cash Homey)

Shaq to Cleveland

Jeez what took so long Danny Ferry? You should have traded for Shaq four months ago to help LeBron in the playoffs. Could you have imagined a LeBron/Shaq vs. Kobe in the finals. David Stern is pissed this mourning because this trade didn't happen sooner. Anyways the trade was finally made, and we are plenty of story lines heading into next season.

- We finally get to see Shaq face off against Dwight Howard and Stan Van Jeremy four times a year. Remember Shaq put on blast both Howard and Van Jeremy during last season.

- What type of impact will Shaq have on the team? Orlando will be the same. Boston will improve once they are healthy. Philadelphia should improve under new coach Eddie Jordan. Can Shaq be a force for Cleveland? And can he help them win the championship?

- Can Shaq stay healthy? Last season Shaq was healthy and played in a majority of the games for the first time in a long time.

- You have to love Shaq not hearing about the trade until someone asked him about it through Twitter. You have to love stories being broken through Twitter.

- The Cavs gave up nothing for Shaq. They gave up Ben Wallace, and his bad legs, and a bag of beans. They didn't give up Delonte West, Mo Williams or J.J. Hickson.

- Lastly, I can't wait for a dance-off between Shaq and LeBron.

The Links

I haven't seen Elizabeth Hurley in a long time..... Obama angers the left, but does the right thing.... Indeed! Mel Gibson's golddigger is pregnant with his baby.... 'Terminator' had a week opening weekend.... The Nuggets evened their series between Los Angles

An alleged rape occurred at Jets safety Kerry Rhodes' home (The Big Lead)

The NBA might not get their dream matchup of Kobe-LeBron (Fanhouse)

The Minnesota Timberwolves have crushed the Sports Guy's dreams (Deadspin)

Post-Memorial Day MLB Power Rankings (Off Bob Howry)

F.U. Phillie Phantic (The Big Picture)

Jose Canseco got his ass kicked in his MMA bout (Online Sports Guy) Video Below

The Law of the Beanball (27 Pitches)

The Lakers looked tired last night (LA Times)

Another stupid guarantee. This time it's Mo Williams guarantees a Cavaliers win tonight (Mourning Journal)

SEC offseason's are more fun now than the season (The Tennessean)

Never count out Steve Spurrier (AL.com)

Recap(with video) of last night's showdown between Vince McMahon and Nuggets owner Stan Kroneke (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

Video of Jose Canseco getting his ass kicked in a MMA bout

The Links

Tom Brady's old lady... Sad, wife of D-Backs reliever was found dead.... Who is the must rugged NHL player?.... The voice of Mikey Mouse has passed away.... WWE is moving Raw from Denver to LA.... Gar Foreman has been promoted to the Bull GM.... SHOCKER-California towns are the most polluted in the world.... Kris Allen upset Adam Lambert for the American Idol crown

Tony Dungy pens an Vick essay for SI (Awful Announcing)

Rejoice Boston! David Ortiz has finally hit a home run (Deadspin)

Hide your dogs Boston! (Mass Hysteria)

Wheel of Fortunes caters to the homeless (Sharapova's Thigh)

Shawn Michaels out untin 2010? (Camel Clutch Blog)

Aqib Talib loves to fight (Larry Brown Sports)

You shouldn't panic Cleveland (Plain Dealer)

It's time to panic Cleveland (Orlando Sentinel)

R.I.P. Lucy Gordan (People)

Conspiracy Theory's run afoul after last nights American Idol (Huff Po)

Dwight Howard broke the shot clock last night when he dunked the ball.

Watch Out For the Cavs

Yesterday, I talked about who could stop the Celtics. I briefly mentioned the Cleveland Cavaliers as a possible contender.

Well after last night's beat down of Philadelphia, the Cavs are here to stay. The loss was so bad, the Sixers fired Mo Cheeks today.

The Cavaliers have now won 11 straight, and have not trailed in the second half of any of these games.

The Celtics are the hottest team in the NBA, but the Cavaliers are right behind. LeBron James scored 28 points last night, with Anderson Varaejao scored 17 points in place of the injured Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

The Cavaliers have put all the pieces together this season. LeBron has improved his free throw shooting, and the players around him have picked up their game. Delonte West has been a nice addition to the team, along with rookie Darnell Jackson.

They are competing at a higher level this season and could give the Boston Celtics a run for their money. Last season Cleveland took Boston to seven game in the 2Nd round of the playoffs. This season Cleveland has been right behind the Celtics all season.

While Boston has gone on a 14 game winning streak, Cleveland has gone on a 11 game winning streak. After starting the season 1-2, the Cavaliers have gone 19-1 since, and have not lost a game at home this season.

Their defense is doing the job. They gave up 25 points in the first quarter of last nights game, but only gave up 47 points the rest of the game. Mike Brown's pedigree as a defensive coach is starting to pay off for Cleveland.

During the winning streak, Cleveland has not had to play LeBron James very much during the 4Th quarter. They have been holding on to their leads while the King rests on the bench. This will be crucial during the stretch run of the season and in the playoffs. A rested James could be dangerous for other teams in the playoffs.

I would look for a Boston vs. Cleveland match up in the Eastern Conference Finals, this season. And don't be surprised if Cleveland is in the finals.

Stay Focused Right Now!

With LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers playing the New York Knicks tonight, all the talk was about LeBron playing for the Knicks in 2010.

All they could talk about on PTI and Around the Horn was LeBron signing with the Knicks in 2010. That is two years away.

There has been talk for a while now about LeBron signing with either the Knicks or Nets. And after the Knicks traded away some of their bad contracts the talk accelerated. The Knicks are clearing salay space for James. The Knicks are positioning themselves for James. All the talk needs to stop.

LeBron James doesn't even become a free agent until 2010. That is still two years away. A lot can happen in two years. The Cavs could win the NBA title in that time span. The Cavs could even sign James to an extension. You never know what is going to happen.

So LeBron is in love with New York and is friends with Jay-Z. Cleveland is his home and Cleveland is the team who can pay him the most.

So we to stop talking about where LeBron will be playing in 2010 and just enjoy the NBA right now.