This is one of those moments we will all remember for a long time to come. I will always remember where I was when I "Witnessed" the incredible shift in emotion in Game 2 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.
With 30.9 seconds on the clock, Orlando called a 20-second time-out to regroup. The crowd was going crazy; on their feet, with towels in the air. Everyone was pumped!
Coming out of the time-out, Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu, was smiling, talking to his teammates and looked very confident. I had a feeling Stan Van Gundy had put his trust in Hedo to nail the next shot: the one that could have crushed the Cleveland faithful. Sure enough the ball was in his hands and Sasha got the defensive assignment from Coach Brown. With a foul to give, Sasha took it with 13.6 seconds remaining in the game.
Orlando then called a last time-out knowing they would have the last shot of the game...or so they thought. An amazing pump up video featuring the Cavs players played on Q-Tube calling to action all the CavFanatics in the house. The crowd was on their feet. It was our defense that was put to the test with Mo, Delonte, Anderson, Sasha and LeBron on the court. Both teams stacked with Rashard Lewis inbounding the ball.
It was in Hedo's hands once again. He let the clock run to about 5 seconds before making his move to the basket. Needless to say, he made the shot.
The emotion in the Q shifted drastically. It was happening again: with one second on the clock, Orlando had the lead. It wasn't the end of the world, but it sure felt like it.
After the Cavs called their final time out of the game, Mo and LeBron spoke to each other as they were walking up the court. Delonte was getting final instructions from Coach Keuster while Sasha and Z were set. Everyone was on their feet as if they already knew the outcome, but hoping maybe, just maybe, AMAZING was going to happen that night at The Q.
Good people and good energy all around at The Q today! Just like you, I'm looking forward to tonight's game and I have a good feeling about what's to come. Amazing happens here and it's happening tonight... Where will you be?
So much has been said already about the loss and the "easy route" the Cavs have had to date, but I'm not buying that one bit. These guys have been through so much this year, and they've been through it together, as a family, All for One and One for All in the true sense. La Familia.
I truly believe the coaching staff and the 15 guys in that locker room will not let one game affect their mindset and their drive of achieving their One Goal.
Their demeanor today at practice was that of controlled confidence and all business. It's going to be a long series and they know that better then anyone. The appropriate adjustments are being made as we speak and tomorrow is another day.
Clichés they may be but the truth is, it isn't a sprint, it is a marathon. The battle of game 1 was won by the opposition, but those left standing in the end have won the war.
With that I say, CavFanatics Unite, Stand Up & Stand Out, Our time is Now!
Tough to take such a loss but we shall overcome. I'll check in soon with my take on Game 1, in the meantime, here is a little something to make you laugh.
Props to N8-N for making this look so good. To the Cavalier Girls and Jhashym for the sweet moves and of course to MO, I feel like you made the piece!
