by Chris Humpherys

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 19, 2009

After an 82-game season, the NBA playoffs are finally upon us. First to win sixteen games is crowned champion. All others go home with dreams unrealized.

Not since Craig Ehlo slumped to the floor after a certain number 23 drained a jumper over his outstretched hands has Cleveland had such a legitimate shot to win an NBA title. The best news for the Cavaliers is that the phenomenon wearing 23 now dons Cleveland red. And he has a very determined look on his face.

The Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, are poised to bring Cleveland its first major sports championship in over 45 years. Not since the Browns won an NFL title has this city tasted glory. Cleveland is about to erupt and not just because Drew Carey is no longer in prime time.

Cleveland has just completed its best regular season in franchise history, but none of that will matter unless confetti falls from the rafters in June. By sealing up the best regular season record, the Cavs are assured home court advantage throughout the playoffs, which is significant since they only lost two home games all season long. The Cavaliers are no longer an afterthought, they are the favorite. The question remains. can they finish? Championship rings are for closers.

Only two seasons ago, the Cavs reached the Finals, going 50-32, but were readily dispatched by a far superior San Antonio Spurs in a swift, four games. This is a different Cavaliers team. The 2007 team seemed happy to be there. This current team is on a mission.

This is also a different LeBron James. This year, he averaged a Big O-like 28 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7 assists. He is streamlined. He averaged a career low in turnovers per game. He is a significantly better defender than in the past, particularly from the weak side. He's been a highlight reel waiting to happen and there is much more to come. He had career highs in free throw percentage (78%) and field goal percentage (49%). This is a more improved and efficient LeBron James, which is a very scary thing. People don't defend him. They get out of his way.

While LeBron is still the man, Cleveland no longer relies on him alone to score. The offense is more balanced. Mo Williams pours in 18 a game, Big Z 13, Delonte 12, Varejao 9, Gibson 8, Szczerbiak and Joe Smith 7. Even with an injured Ben Wallace, they are still the best defensive team in the league, holding teams to under 92 points per game. Cleveland also led the league in margin of victory at nearly 9 points per game.

Las Vegas lists the Cavs as overwhelming

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