The Optimist
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Here’s what I want from you guys today …
Nothing.
That’s right: Throw your dogs up and relax, Cavalier fans. Crack a brew. Let down your gird and loosen your loins. You’ve already endured the blood, sweat and tears of 81 NBA contests. The Cavaliers have locked up the fourth spot and a date with the Wizards this weekend. Nothing you or the Cavaliers do tonight can change that.
You don’t get the chance to sit back and relax for a Pistons game too often. So tonight, just chill and enjoy the outcome. We’ll see Detroit for real in about a month – maybe six weeks.
After all, it’s Fan Appreciation Night here at The Q. That means you fans can let us worry about the big, bad Pistons while you just sit back and get appreciated. If I could reach, I’d give every single one of you a big, fat foot rub. Bunions and everything.
I don’t even want you worrying your pretty little heads over the Washington Wizards today. For starters, looking past opponents – even in an insignificant contest like tonight’s matchup with Detroit – is the kind of stuff that curls Coach Brown’s hair. And I won’t be a party to it.
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It’s the least we can do for you fans who have stuck it out with our beloved Cavaliers lo, these many months. Nothing has come easy for the Eastern Conference Champions this year – even Monday night’s homecourt-clinching win over Philly.
It looked like Cleveland’s road woes would continue right to season’s end, as time expired with the Wine and Gold on the short end of the stick. Streamers fell from the Wachovia Center rafters and Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” had already kicked in when suddenly Mike Brown came roaring off the sidelines, raging at the gods.
The referees reviewed the final play, called the foul, and put 0.2 seconds on the clock. Devin Brown calmly stepped up and splashed home the two biggest free throws of the season – snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and seemingly awakening the Cavaliers from their collective hibernaculum.
In the locker room after the game, Devin compared drilling the clutch game-winners to hitting his 6-iron. When was the last time a straight baller made that analogy?
Call me crazy, but that win changed something about the Cavaliers. It was the biggest road win in two months. And it seemed to give them a renewed sense of themselves. Tonight’s unnecessary, yet completely savory victory, will only fortify their renewed confidence.
The two clubs play to a first half draw. The game doesn’t mean anything, but you’d never know that by watching Anderson Varejao and Rasheed Wallace do battle under the boards. Daniel Gibson leads all scorers at intermission with 13.
The second half is just as competitive, but the battle is now between Jason Maxiell and Lance Allred, whose put-back with 16 seconds to play gives Cleveland the one-point lead – 98-97. But Rodney Stuckey drills a jumper on Detroit’s next possession to give Detroit the edge.
But with 3.3 to play, Devin Brown takes the in-bounds pass, spins past two Piston defenders and finds an open Daniel Gibson, who calmly gathers and lifts the 16-footer from the baseline … 3 … 2 … 1 …
Flavor Country!
Boobie’s mates maul him at center court as The Q goes ape-S, driven mad by their Chalupa-lust. Cleveland wins their home finale – 100-99 – taking Big Mo into the playoffs for the second straight year.
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I began this strange journey as “The Optimist” five seasons ago with the assistance of my editor and confidante – The Maniac – and it’s been loads of fun. I can’t thank him enough for what he brings to the mix.
And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Optimette for her patience and inspiration. I make jokes about her motivating me to be a better writer by smacking my head, neck and chest with a rolling pin. But all kidding aside, it's a frying pan.
Is this accomplishment as great as Joe Tait calling his 3,000th game or TheBron breaking the franchise scoring mark?
Probably.
But individual achievements have never been what I’m about. And you shouldn’t be either. We’re all in this together – through-and-through, balls-to-bones, wall-to-wall Wine and Gold. All for one. One for all.
The time has come to …
Choose faith, Cleveland
Your pal,
The Optimist
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