The Cleveland Cavaliers went into Detroit with their playoff series tied at two apiece with the Pistons.  After tonight’s 86-84 victory, not only do the Cavs have the 3-2 lead in the series, but have taken away homecourt advantage from the Eastern Conference champions the past two seasons.  Wake up, folks, the Cavs are making some noise in the East.  And after winning their third straight playoff game for the first time in team history, the Cavs have all the momentum going back to Cleveland to close out the series.

Once again, LeBron James was an integral part in the Cavs win, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists - including the game-winning dish to Drew Gooden for a layup down in the box.  Donyell Marshall came off the bench to provide some timely rebounding and defense.  It also helped that Pistons guards Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton seemed “off” with their combined 11-for-32 shooting from the floor.

Rasheed Wallace never should have said a thing as I think the Cavs used it as extra motivation.  Not that they needed it.  The Cavs seem focused and it all starts with James, who seems to be improving every time he steps on the floor.  And his maturity is showing through the media as well.  Check out the following quote:

‘‘It’s just basketball,’’ James said. ‘‘They’re not the Big, Bad Wolf. And we’re not the Three Little Pigs.’‘

James doesn’t sound and, more importantly, hasn’t played like a playoff rookie or seem intimidated in any way as he continues to penetrate to the basket, challenging the Pistons’ big men of Rasheed and Ben Wallace.  He’s reminding me of Michael Jordan doing the same thing to the Pistons’ Bad Boys - Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, and Dennis Rodman.  But Jordan comparisons are never fair and James reminds me more of Magic Johnson, but scoring a little more.

In Game Six, I’m looking for the Cavaliers to… oh wait.  I don’t want to do a Rasheed!  I’ll just keep quiet and trust that you know whom I’m rooting for.  But, I will say this much - CLEVELAND ROCKS!