Yes, I know the game’s not over yet…but the Cavs lead by 21 points in the 4th quarter. I’m comfy with that.
With this win, the Cavs go to 47-32, giving them enough victories to stay ahead of Miami and earn home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Now they’re tied again with Chicago for that prized 2nd-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. If the Cavs have any hope of capturing the 2-seed, they HAVE to win every game, and most (including the BBC) believed that tonight’s game against New Jersey was the toughest remaining contest.
Chicago knows that they will lock down the 2-seed with a sweep in their final three games, but it would have been easier on them if the Cavs lose just once.
Now the pressure is squarely on the shoulders of the Chicago Bulls. They have to face a surging Charlotte Bobcats squad (who have defeated Miami and Washington twice EACH over the past 5 games), then go on the road to take on Jersey and Washington, both of whom are fighting for playoff position. Jersey may well even find themselves fighting for mere survival on the final day of the season, and I sure as heck wouldn’t want to face Jason Kidd and Vince Carter if you tell them they have to go home if they lose.
Meanwhile, Cleveland faces three teams….Atlanta, Philly, and Milwaukee…who are all eliminated (or will be by the time we face them….I’m looking your way, Philadelphia).
Looking at the schedules, I’m feeling better about the Cavs’ chances.
Chicago’s “Magic Number” for the second-seed is 3.
Cleveland’s “Magic Number” for the second-seed is 4.
This is why I love this sport.
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