Game 5: Celtics @ Cavaliers - Tue, May 11, 8:00pm [TNT]

[Rise Against]

Unable to corral Rajon Rondo so far in the NBA playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers may resort to Plan LeB.

LeBron James, it's your turn.

With Rondo coming off an historic 29-point, 18-rebound, 13-assist performance in Game 4, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said Monday he plans to use an assortment of players to try to slow the seemingly unstoppable Celtics point guard and one of them could be James, the league's two-time MVP and a first-team all-defense selection.

"We're going to give 'Bron an opportunity," Brown said.

Rondo's not scared.

"I don't really care who's guarding me," he said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=300511005

[Furrski]

We must protect this house

[sutrick]

In the biggest game of the year the best player will always show why he is the best. Rondo will struggle trying to live up to all the hype that his great game 4 created. He is just not consistent enough to be considered in the same sentence as LBJ. The only concern for the Cavs is if both Allen and Pierce go off. Otherwise the Cavs should win surprisingly easy. The Celtics were a 500 team over the last 50+ games. They are too old and too turnover prone so the Cavs supporting cast better be confident enough to step up.

[TheOUTLAW]

The Celtics have had alot fewer turnover than the Cavs. The problem that I have been having with Rondo is the rebounds (which were largely hustle) and letting him go off for points and assists. No way can he end up having that much impact.

[tidho]

Tonight the real LeBron James will be revealed.

Is he a guy that should be in the discussion with the all time greats, or is he just a really good player that can pile up stats?

We lost Sunday because LeBron didn't show up. He had decent numbers but he didn't impact the game. He let someone else be the best player on the the court (by a lot). The great ones don't do that. They will their teams to victory.

A Jordon or Bird wins game 5.
...are you a Jordon or Bird, LeBron?
...or are you a Dirk Nowitzki?

[Icness]

Funny that all the focus seems to be on Lebron, because IMO this game is decided by the likes of Jamison, Shaq, and Mo--if they can pose a credible threat to the Celtics, Lebron won't have to do it all himself. If that's the case, Cavs win by 20+.

I still want to see the Cavs stick with the normal gameplan later in games. Way too often the entire 4Q is Lebron dribbling the shot clock down some 25 feet from the basket, then forcing tough action. They don't play that way the rest of the game and they shouldn't get away from what works so easily.

I don't worry about Rondo going off again, except his rebounding. The more he handles the ball and has to score, the less likely Pierce and Ray Allen get into a rhythm--and those two can shoot the Cavs right out of the playoffs. I'll take my chances with Rondo shooting 50% than having PP and Allen each shooting 50% and getting more shots. Gotta control the glass better though, and that's on Parker and Mo to block out and not bleed out early.

[kenneth9265]

Consider Rondo, stopped tonight...!

[TheOUTLAW]

That was a foul? LeBron should have 30 free throw attempts tonight then.

[B Mac]

Gotta like how the rest of the team stepped up in the first quarter.

Oh and ZZZZZZ!!!

[TheOUTLAW]

From what I've seen the Cavs have been getting screwed

That ball was obviously off of Shuttlesworth

[TheOUTLAW]

How do you have 9 turnovers this early in a playoff game. Cavs showing a remarkable amount of professionalism.

[TheOUTLAW]

I'm not sure I've ever been more disappointed by a team as I have been by these Cavaliers

[prekazi]

I'm not sure I've ever been more disappointed by a team as I have been by these Cavaliers

[PraiseAdonai]

Moe Williams is a liability all over the court. He needs to sit.

[TheOUTLAW]

The Cavs have no heart, that's the problem

[TheOUTLAW]

Cavs down by 18 and LeBron has only gotten 8 shots up. Man, it's like he's pulling a Kobe.

[BlazersRizing]

only 2 pages? wth.

[PraiseAdonai]

Mike Brown has made zero adjustments in this series. He's been badly out coached.

[TheOUTLAW]

He's made some adjustments, they've just been bad ones.

[raptorschick]

WOW i'M SHOCK